Young Azkals share points with Timor Leste on AFF U23 Championship Opener

Photo Credits: The Philippine Football Federation

The opening match of the 2022 AFF U23 Championship saw the Philippines square off against Timor Leste who tormented them in the 2022 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the match was nothing short of action.

Hoping to bury the pain of their one-nil defeat back in October last year, the Young Azkals wanted to start their campaign on a high note but Timor Leste had other plans.

As early as the sixth minute, Mouzinho Barreto De Lima scored the opener after the referee called for a penalty due to a challenge inside the box by the Philippines.

The Philippines didn't back down though as they slowly got their groove on and tried to string a couple of passes. There were some chances that went their way but they were unable to finish.

Timor Leste, on the other hand, had the paces in their strides, leaving the boys in white in a flash. Quincy Kameraad knew from the start that he'll have a very busy day against a tough Timorese side.

The equalizer came towards the end of the first half as Ivan Ouano found an opening thanks to an interception and an assist from Jacob Francis Maniti. Ouano dribbled past two defenders before taking a strike with his weaker left foot to level things up before the break.

That equalizer became a huge boost for the Young Azkals as they kicked off the second half with some spring in their steps and feeling a bit more confident with the ball. They'll lose possession at times but they're quick to recover it.

However, the Philippines found themselves backed against the wall for the second time in the match after a strike from Jaimito Soares in the 56' sent the Timorese back into the lead.

The Young Azkals were quick to cancel out the lead though as a scrappy play from the corner found Ouano open on the right post who then squeezed it in for his brace.

After 90 minutes, the game ended with both teams level and sharing the points in the opening fixture of the 2022 AFF U-23 Championship. Despite not having enough preparation for the competition, the Philippines still put on a resilient effort to prevent a repeat of their defeat against Timor Leste. They'll now prepare for the hosts Cambodia as they'll meet on matchday two on February 17, 2022, at the Morodok Techno National Stadium.