Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bacolod City: Thomas Dooley is hoping his Philippines team can take one step further when they face Yemen in the teams return 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying fixture in Doha next month and pick all three points against the West Asian side.
The Azkals had to fight back twice to draw with the visitors as goals from Phil and James Younghusband cancelled out efforts from Mudir Al Radaei and Abdulwasea Al Matari in Bacolod on Tuesday evening, but the Philippines remained on top of the standings as Group F reached the halfway point.
Both nations are aiming to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in their history.
“I’m happy with the 2-2 and being in first place in the group,” said Dooley, whose side have seven points from their first three games.
“We didn’t get three points but a point is still good. The players gave their all.
“The players were tired (with the schedule of matches in the league). But we will take some positives from this game and hope to get the win next time in Doha.
“The crowd helped us immensely. At least we didn’t lose at home.”
Yemen offered the Philippines a stern test despite suffering from the effects of a three-day journey from Sana’a to Bacolod and Abraham Mebratu’s team remain in second place in the group.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/nepal_v_tajikistan_afc-asian-cup-qualifiers_jpg.html
