The Philippine Azkals could only settle for a goalless draw against Yemen Wednesday, June 8 as the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers got underway in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Chances were begging for the Azkals while also overcoming some nervy moments in the final minutes of the Group B match held at the MFF Football Centre in Mongolian capital.
Coach Thomas Dooley will take a point in his first game back in charge for the Azkals, who are eyeing an Asian Cup slot either as group winner or one of the five best second-place teams.
Dooley elected to place youngsters Sandro Reyes, Oliver Bias and Oskari Kekkonen in the starting 11 to go with goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, Daisuke Sato, Amani Aguinaldo, Jefferson Tabinas, brothers Mike and Manny Ott, Kenshiro Daniels and Patrick Reichelt.
One of the opportunities the Azkals could have converted was Daniels’ header off a set piece near the hour mark, but the ball went straight to the gloves of Yemen keeper Salem Al-Garsh.
Dooley later inserted naturalized striker Bienvenido Maranon, whose attempt was also saved by Al-Garsh.
Yemen threatened several times to score the winner before stoppage time but the attempts were hardly on-target.
Manny Ott nearly scored one for the Azkals but his volley went wide to the right.