FILE–Members of the Azkals 7 of the Philippines. –AZKALS FACEBOOK
SHAH ALAM, Malaysia—The Philippine Azkals set up a title showdown with last year's winner Japan at the Asian 7s Championship after defeating Hong Kong, 6-1, in a rain-soaked semifinal held Saturday at the EV Enviornment Elmina here.
Mark Hartmann continued his scoring spree after bagging a hat-trick as the Azkals repeated their group stage dominance over Hong Kong to advance to the final of the 7-a-side competition.
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Arnel Amita scored twice, including the game-winner in the comeback period, when the Philippines will play Japan on Sunday at the same venue.
READ: Azkals 7 finds rhythm despite lack of training
Japan defeated host Malaysia, 3-0, in the other semifinal match, much to the dismay of the home crowd who braved the downpour.
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“Japan is going to be difficult. They brought players from their 7-a-side football league,” said coach Hamed Hajimehdi. “But we are also good and I think it will be a close game.”
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The Azkals beat Hong Kong by the same score last Thursday to begin their campaign in this district located on the outskirts of the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
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Daisuke Sato returned from suspension by scoring the first goal before Hartmann and Amita shared the scoring responsibilities.
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Goalkeeper Kenry Balobo, who took a break from his Philippine Football League duties with Maharlika Taguig to play for the Azkals 7, made some good saves and came close to keeping a clean sheet when he conceded Hong's only goal Kong in the second half.
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