Manila Digger saw off Azkals 2-0 in the PFL group stage on Saturday. The hosts maintained their unbeaten run at home, remaining top of the table with five points from two games played. It was a straightforward afternoon for the leaders, who have now won all five of their last five matches.
And here's the thing — the game only really opened up in the second half. B. Touray broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, finding space on the edge of the area before firing past the keeper. Manila Digger had been content to sit deep and let the visitors come to them, and the reward came when Azkals pushed forward.
The hosts doubled their advantage with a comfortable margin when R. Andes struck in the 76th minute. To be fair, Azkals had created a couple of half-chances before then, but they were second to everything in the midfield battle. By then, Manila Digger were closing in on a deal, and the visitors simply could not find a foothold.
The hosts sit top of the table with 54 points from 20 games — 17 wins, three draws, no defeats. They have not won since losing 1-0 to Persib Bandung in August, and this result extends that run to five straight victories. The goal difference also tells the story: Manila Digger have scored heavily and conceded sparingly.
Azkals have lost four of their last five games, including a 4-1 hammering by Stallion back in September. They have not won since beating Maharlicha 2-0 on the 20th, and the gap to safety is beginning to look uncomfortable. Things came to a head when they failed to respond after going behind in the 60th minute.