MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals bounced back in their second friendly match, defeating Qatari side Al Ahli, 3-1, behind a strong performance from striker Phil Younghusband and a much improved defensive effort.

The Azkals were coming off a 3-0 loss against the Uzbekistan under-23 team but showed greater effort against Al Ahli.

Younghusband broke the ice in the ninth minute for a 1-0 Azkals lead and Denis Wolf padded the advantage when he slotted in a goal off a James Younghusband miss in the 45th minute.

Phil Younghusband got his brace after he scored again in the 52nd minute of the second half, but Ali Solaima Ashiri prevented a shutout win for the Azkals when he scored at the 57-minute mark.

The Azkals continue their Middle East tour on Thursday against the Australia Qantas Under-23 team.