The Mongolia Blue Wolves football team, who bowed to the Philippine Azkals, 2-0, in Wednesday nights’ game, left Negros Occidental early morning yesterday, aboard the 5 a.m. Philippine Airlines flight from Bacolod-Silay Airport to Manila.

While the victorious Azkals joined the post-game parties celebrating the win, the Blue Wolves opted to go back to Luxor Hotel to rest and pack their bags for their early morning flight out of Negros.

During the post-game interview with reporters who covered the first leg of the AFC Challenge Cup playoff match between the Blue Wolves and the Azkals at the Panaad stadium, Mongolia head coach Sandagdorj Erdenebat said the team had a difficult game and the players were very tired.

Used to playing in cooler condition, he said humidity in the Philippines has affected the game.

While the team did not complain about the officiating, the coach said the referee did make several mistakes in his calls.

He said the issuance of red card to midfielder Pagamsuren Altantulga during the first half made the game more difficult for them as they were reduced to 10 players in the field.

Erdenebat, however, expressed confidence that Blue Wolves will bounce back in the next game on March 15 as it will be played in Mongolia.

Several Mongolian players were hurt during the game, including the two booters who had to be carried out of the field for injuries.

Despite the rough game, the visiting team from Mongolia expressed their gratitude for the people of Bacolod for the warm welcome they received.

The match between Azkals and Mongolia lasted more than 90 minutes after the referee ruled for an injury time, during which Philippine’s Phil Younghusband booted in the Azkals’ second goal. Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong of Barotac, Iloilo was the game’s hero as his goal in the 42nd minute broke the ice for the home team.*NAB

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