@dkarzon & @sjerd Thank you for your replies. You helped to kick start my brain. I have resolved the problem.
Once I realized I was working in the wrong mobile platform. I revised my code to go back to the method stated in the plugin documentation, installed Genymotion, started an emulator, installed the apk, and it works.
$scope.playVideo = function(id) {
YoutubeVideoPlayer.openVideo(id);
}