MANILA: The Philippines Tuesday advanced to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup group stage after surviving a desperate charge by Mongolia to win their pre-qualifying tie 3-2 on aggregate. The Mongolian Blue Wolves actually defeated the Philippine Azkals 1-2 in Tuesday's second match in the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator. Since the Azkals had beaten the Blue Wolves 2-0 in the first leg of their match in Bacolod at home last month, the Philippines won the tie and will meet Myanmar next on March 21. The Azkals will go up against Palestine two days later and then face Bangladesh on March 25. In Tuesday's match played on an artificial turf at the freezing Mongolian Football Federation Football Center in Ulan Bator, the Azkals came out blazing as James Younghusband scored the first goal in the third minute. Mongolia equalized in the 21st minute through its skipper, Lumbengarav Donorov. The Mongolian fans erupted with glee as the Blue Wolves took the lead in the 34th minute after Garidmagnai Bayasgalan scored on the rebound after Filipino goalkeeper Ed Sacapano blocked a free kick. But that would prove to be their last hurrah as the Azkals tightened up on defense in the second half to prevent another Mongolia goal.
