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Philippine Azkals in the final game of the Mitsubishi Electric Cup. – PHOTO CONTRIBUTION
The Philippine Azkals could not end their campaign in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Mitsubishi Electric Cup on a high note after losing 2-1 in the semifinals to Indonesia on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Stephan Schrock’s last appearance in an Azkals shirt ended in defeat as Indonesia scored all the goals in the first half that paved the way to earn three points and progress through the group stages of Southeast Asia’s biggest football competition.
Indonesia, along with defending champions Thailand, entered the next phase of the AFF tournament after collecting 10 points.
Schrock, who announced before the match, set up Sebastian Rasmussen’s goal in the 82nd minute to create late drama, but the hosts were unable to find an equalizer until the final whistle.
The Azkals, who failed to qualify for the semis for the third time in four editions, finished fourth in Group A with just three points after a three-game losing streak against Brunei before Christmas.
It was a disappointing finish that angered some fans, who in the second half made signs asking the Philippine Football Federation to improve the play on the field.
Ultras Filipinas have made a protest sign about the struggle of the Azkals in the Mitsubishi Electric AFF Cup
Call sign for PFF to “One some F ****** Fight” | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/deaeYue0hh
– INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) January 2, 2023
The home side were an aggressive team early on, but chances to produce the opener went in vain.
Indonesia then sucked the life out of the home supporters when Dendy Sulistyawan scored the first goal in the 21st minute.
Marcelino Ferdinan, half Schrock’s age at 36, doubled Indonesia’s lead in the 43rd to the delight of Indonesian fans who made up almost half of the crowd.
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