Philippine Azkals squad for AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers. PHOTO CONTRIBUTION/PH AZKALS
The Philippines Azkals team returned home on Wednesday to weigh in on whether things can get better after a disappointing start to the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign.
“Now it’s a matter of working the last three games to turn the tide,” said Mark Hartmann after the team suffered a 3-2 defeat to Cambodia the previous day at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh. Penh.
Coach Josep Ferre’s students will give their all and the Azkals fans hope at Rizal Memorial Stadium on Friday when they host a Brunei team that has been battered 5-0 by defending champions Thailand.
The Azkals play Thailand on December 26 at Pathum Thani before playing at home against Indonesia, the previous AFF runner-up, on January 2 at the Rizal Memorial.
Cambodia capitalized on defensive mistakes in the first 20 minutes to take a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Bunheing and Orn Chanpolin. Kenshiro Daniels scored twice to help the Philippines equalize, but Cambodia made another defensive mistake just four minutes later to take the lead.
“We created chances, but we couldn’t get the last touch,” Hartmann lamented.
Continue reading
Registration QUESTIONER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and more than 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to news, download as early as 4am and share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For feedback, complaints or requests, Contact us.
