by ESPNSTAR.com staff
Philippines star Phil Younghusband came off the bench and netted seven minutes from time to earn his side a 2-2 draw in Tuesday’s friendly against Indonesia.
In a heated encounter at the Rizal Memorial Stadium that saw three players receive their marching orders, it was Indonesia who took the lead when Persidafon Dafonsoro striker Patrich Wanggai nodded home a cross from Novan Setia 11 minutes after the break.
Three minutes later, the Azkals hit back when James Younghusband, who had also started the game on the bench, capitalised on some poor defending to fire home an equaliser, only for Garuda to restore their advantage a minute after the hour mark through star forward Irfan Bachdim after some unconvincing defending from Carli de Murga.
However, Irfan then turned villain when he received his marching orders in the 81st minute after getting into a scuffle which also saw Filipino duo Emelio Caligdong and Manuel Ott get sent off.
Two minutes later, a long ball from Dennis Cagara was headed by James Younghusband straight into the path of younger brother Phil, who made no mistake with his volley to force a draw for the hosts.
While the Indonesians were missing a host of established players, Tuesday’s result will come as a huge boost to Philippines ahead of this year’s AFF Suzuki Cup, especially after another impressive result in last Friday’s 0-0 draw with reigning regional champions Malaysia.
Source: ESPNStar.com
