PHI XI faces must-win against Myanmar to advance

Not in the starting 11, but still making the most out of his chance.

Chieffy Caligdong scores the lone Philippine goal against Vietnam in the 86th minute to keep their chances of advancing to the semi-finals of the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup alive on Tuesday night at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

The Philippine nationals survived their match without head coach Hans Michael Weiss, who was suspended after getting sent off in their 2-1 loss against Thailand in their group stage opener.

Already in a bind in the second half with the Vietnamese dominating the possessions and close-range attempts, Caligdong made his entrance late in the match which lifted the spirits of the team that has had most of their chances in the first 45 minutes.

The best among those chances was Phil Younghusband’s 12th minute attempt that was put to naught as he slipped inside the penalty box on his approach.

Ed Sacapaño’s stonewall defense was not penetrated by the Red Warriors, as they made their best attempt on Le Tan Thai’s left flank shot within the same minute as the Caligdong goal that just bounced off the woodwork and onto the safe hands of the Philippine defense.

The Azkals seek their second straight semis appearance if they score another victory, this time against Myanmar, on Friday in Bangkok.