video courtesy of: pefdgraphy
Emelio Asada Caligdong, a native of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, scored the opening goal against Mongolia in the 42nd minute of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifier at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City. The midfielder called by his peers as “Chieffy" eluded his defender then delivered the first point right between the legs of the Mongolian goalie to the delight of the raucous hometown crowd.
Younghusband, easily one of the most popular booters on the Azkals side, wasn’t content with killing the time away.
Three minutes deep into injury time, the former Chelsea player epitomized the team's unrelenting attack as he left-booted a goal right through the Mongolian defense to seal the win for the Azkals.
The 2-0 victory gives the Azkals some cushion as they travel to Mongolia for the second leg. Previously set for February 16, the away game was reset to March 15, with Mongolia taking its turn at playing host in the home-and-away format.
The Azkals eventually nailed two goals after missing several opportunities to score, but for newly-installed German coach Michael Weiss, the number of attempts his team made was indeed a good sign.
“That only goes to show we have good ideas in our minds. That’s not something bad," said Weiss, who took over the coaching reins from Simon McMenemy last January.
The Azkals and the entire nation are still savoring the victory, but our booters buckle down to work in the coming days and train in Baguio City to get themselves used to cold weather similar to what they will experience in Mongolia.
"We’re very happy. Nasunod yung mga plays and instructions na binigay ni coach," said Caligdong.
Caligdong's Quick Profile:
photo courtesy of: Ilonggo United FCCurrently plays for Philippine Air Force. Caligdong is also a Philippine Football Team regular, earning his first cap in 2002. He has about 31 international callups and 8 goals for the Azkals.
Birthdate: September 8, 1982
Birthplace: Pototan, Iloilo, Philippines
Height: 5' 5.5" (1.65m)
Position: Forward, Winger
Club: Philippine Air Force F.C.
sources: azkals.com, gmanews.tv
