Bahrain blank PHL Azkals 2-Nil in Round 2 of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

In their first World Cup Qualifying match against Bahrain, the Azkals earned a 2-1 victory at home last June. It was a different story this time in Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifers as both teams seek the upper-hand in Group H.

Both teams struggled in the first half offensively. However in the second half, the Bahranis suddenly lit up as Ismail Abdul Latif put them on the scoreboard in the 53′. Then it was Sayed Hadnan Hussain’s turn to add another goal for Bahrain in the 63′.

The Philippines weren’t the same team like in their first meeting a few months ago. Bahrain’s defense was too much to handle for the Filipinos in the process. Frustrations were building in the latter minutes of the match. Phil Younghusband was then slapped with a Yellow Card in the 91′.
The final whistle blew as the match ended 2-Nil in favor of Bahrain.

Once again the Azkals have their backs against the wall fresh from their draw against North Korea last October 8.

They face Yemen next on November 12 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.