By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
MANILA — The Philippine Azkals banked on an unlikely hero to save their semifinal bid in the ASEAN Football Federation Championship.
Late substitute Jovin Bedic scored the equalizer goal as the Azkals forced a 1-1 draw with defending champion Thailand at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod on Wednesday night.
Just two minutes after he checked in for Stephen Palla, Bedic converted the needed 80th minute goal as the Azkals stay unbeaten and at the Top 2 in Group B with a road game against Indonesia in Jakarta remaining in their group stage assignments.
Supachai Jaided put Thailand on top in the 56th minute after getting some space off a counter-attack and slotted the ball past Michael Falkesgaard.
However, Patrick Strauss found Bedic, and the latter did not disappoint with the equalizer to the delight of the crowd.
Both teams are now at seven points on two wins and one draw each with Thailand remaining as the leader on goal difference.
Following Singapore’s 6-1 thrashing of East Timor also on Wednesday night, Indonesia was knocked out of contention for a semifinal spot.
The Azkals can secure a Final Four berth if they win against Indonesia or if Singapore loses to Thailand. The Azkals can still qualify with a draw so long as Singapore fails to beat Thailand too.
