THE Philippine Azkals' U23 squad held reigning champion Vietnam to a scoreless draw in front of its fans in the 31st Southeast Asian Games men’s football campaign at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam.
Quincy Kammeraad got a clean sheet against a home side that was coming off a 3-0 win over 2019 silver medalist Indonesia, giving the Azkals U23 a valuable point to add to its three from the 4-0 victory over Timos Leste.
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Kammeraad went down on his knees after the final whistle to celebrate the draw that felt like a victory before a capacity crowd that cheered on the host side under rainy conditions.
"This draw is a big thing for us," said Azkals U23 coach Norman Fegidero.
The Azkals Under-23 team remains in first place by virtue of a higher goal difference, with Vietnam in second, strengthening its bid for a medal. The top two teams in each of the two groups advance to the semifinals.
The Philippines goes for another win against Myanmar on Tuesday. Myanmar beat Timor Leste, 3-2, earlier in the day to occupy third place in Group A.
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