Stephan Schrock and the Azkals picked up their first win of the 2019 SEA Games, beating Malaysia 1-0 on Friday. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Stephan Schrock and the Azkals picked up their first win of the 2019 SEA Games, beating Malaysia 1-0 on Friday. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

The Philippines men's national team finally broke into the win column, beating Malaysia 1-0 in Southeast Asian Games football Friday night.

Hungry for a win and with their backs against the wall, the Pinoy side came out aggressive in the opening moments and immediately found some early chances at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.

The Malaysians began to become more aggressive on offense, but Pinoy keeper Anthony Pinthus stepped up big time, getting his hands on the visitors' attempts.

For the first time in the tournament, the Azkals finally tasted a lead, as team captain Stephan Schrock put the Azkals on the board off a fantastic corner in the 72nd minute.

Shrock's shot was deflected by Malaysian keeper Muhammad Haziq Nadzli but it bounced off teammate Muhammad Danial Amier Norisham's back and straight into the goal.

With time running out and and a heightened sense of urgency, the Malaysian side pushed the pace once again, leading to a number of near-makes in late in the match.

Once again, it was keeper Pinthus who helped preserve the lead with a commendable defensive effort to get his first clean sheet of these games.

The Azkals got their much-needed 3 points, a big boost in momentum as they close out the group stage against Timor Leste at the Binan Stadium in Laguna on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

The Philippines now sit at third place in Group A, behind leader Myanmar (7) and Cambodia, who also has 4 points with a game in hand.

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