Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Manila: The Philippines will be at full strength for the crucial AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualifying match against Tajikistan as players based abroad will add power to the Azkals squad.
Team manager Dan Palami is delighted that the overseas-based players have answered his call for them to support the bid to qualify for the final stage of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time.
Among those reporting for training this week ahead of the Tajikistan match on March 27 include goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who plays for Welsh club Cardiff City, and Malaysian-based players Ian Ramsay and Misagh Bahadoran.
“We should be proud of our national team players who are doing well internationally in their various clubs,” said Palami.
The Azkals lead Group F of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers on nine points and need only a draw against Tajikistan to confirm their place among the Continent's elite for next January's blockbuster in the United Arab Emirates.
The could have sealed their berth on Matchday Five last November but were held 0-0 by Nepal.
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