The Philippine men’s national football squad posts a huge 4-0 victory over Nepal in their first FIFA-sanctioned friendly on home soil in 14 years on Tuesday night at the Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium in Manila.

A possible showdown between two squads that will showcase their wares in the 2012 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup main draw to be held at the visiting side’s home turf in Kathmandu by March, the Azkals dominated the higher-ranking Gorkhalis thanks to an inspired performance by Phil and James Younghusband.

Phil was a goal shy from capping a rare hat trick, netting two goals in the 17th and 55th minutes. James, on the other hand, slotted in the second goal in the 29th minute to round off the home team’s 2-nil advantage at the end of 45 minutes.

Matthew Hartmann, who came on as a late second half substitute for Jerry Lucena by the 76th minute mark of the contest, put the finishing touches on a great match by connecting on an 89th minute goal.

With the Southeast Asian Games over the horizon, the more senior members of the squad will give way to the younger Under-23 talents who will participate in a training camp in Japan before heading on to Indonesia for the football tournament that will start days ahead of the November 11 opening ceremonies of the 26th regional games.

Currently, the Philippines is ranked 166 as compared to Nepal’s more superior rating at 135 in the latest FIFA World Rankings.