Nepal's lackluster play against Azkals disappoints coach

Nepal coach Graham Roberts has never been disappointed with the way the Ghorkalis played in their loss to the Philippine Azkals Tuesday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. "I've never been ashamed of my team," said Roberts after the 135th-ranked Nepal side was totally outclassed by the Azkals, a team ranked 166th in the world, in a 4-0 loss. Roberts said that having not played in three months may have contributed to their lackluster play. "We never turned up from the first minute. We never passed the ball maybe because we haven't played for three months but I don't accept that excuse." "Our defense was abysmal and that's the strength of our team," Roberts said. But the English coach was all praises for the Azkals as they break down Nepal's defense led by Phil Younghusband, who scored two goals in the match. "The Philippines was fantastic," said Roberts. "I have a player in the back and he is a quality player and he is hurting," Roberts said, referring to defender Rohit Chand. Nepal used the friendly against the Philippines as preparation for the South Asian Football Federation championship in New Delhi, India in December. — Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News