Phil Younghusband’s double in the Philippines’ epic 4-3 win over Palestine in Monday’s third-place play-off saw the prolific Azkals’ striker emerge as the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup’s Top Scorer.
The 24-year-old confidently swept a 24th minute penalty passed Palestine keeper Ramzi Saleh for his tournament-topping sixth goal having netted number five just four minutes into the match with the West Asians.
Younghusband had gone into final day of an engrossing AFC Challenge Cup leading the race for the top scorer award having scored both goals in the Philippines' 2-0 win over 2008 champions India and the openers in both the 2-1 victory over inaugural winners Tajikistan and the semi-final defeat toTurkmenistan.
"Obviously, the attack has been getting the praise because we have been scoring but it's been a total team effort in this tournament," Younghusband said prior to the match with Palestine.
"My expectations are always to score more but the most important thing is the team wins."
"It's good because I have a connection with my brother James and Angel (Guirado) and this has helped me a lot while playing with Paul (Mulders) has also given me a lot of confidence," revealed the former Chelsea reserve forward, who has now netted 24 times since getting his first goal for the Azkals in 2007 AFF Suzuki Cup qualifier against Timor Leste.
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| Phil Younghusband, left, controls the ball against Palentine's defender Khaled A.K. during the AFC Challenge Cup soccer tournament bronze medal match in Katmandu,Nepal, Monday, March 19, 2012. Philippines won the game 4-3. (AP Photo) |
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