THE Philippine Azkals gave Qantas Australia’s under-23 squad a big scare before dropping a 0-1 decision at the end of their training camp Thursday (early yesterday morning in Manila) at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.

A header by Jason Hoffman over Azkals’ goalkeeper Neil Etheridge gave the Aussies the early advantage in the 11th minute, which they used as springboard in clinching the win.

The Azkals managed to give the Aussies a better challenge in the second half, despite missing the services of brothers Phil and James Younghusband.

The Younghusbands returned to Manila on the eve of the match owing to some pressing commitments.

The Azkals almost forced a draw late in the match had Fil-German winger Denis Wolf and substitute Ruben Doctora completed their counter-attacks.

The Azkals lost to Uzbekistan Olympic under-23 team in the opener of the camp over the weekend, before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory over Al Ahli Sports Club in Doha, Qatar.

“Mission accomplished. The plan of the camp was to put the players in pressure situations, having to play three matches in six days, which will be the same thing in the (AFC) Challenge Cup next month in Kathmandu, Nepal,” said national coach Hans Michael Weiss in the post-match interview.

The Azkals returned to Manila yesterday and continued their preparations for the Challenge Cup.