Azkals target semis finish in Challenge Cup

Team manager Dan Palami said the main goal for the Philippine Azkals in the upcoming Challenge Cup is to at least make it to the semifinal round. “We've always wanted to go to the semis. This is the first time that the Philippines have actually entered the final stage,” Palami said shortly after the Azkals’ friendly game against Malaysia on Wednesday.

The Filipino booters are up against tough competition in the Challenge Cup, which is set to begin on March 8.

The Azkals will open its campaign against reigning champion North Korea on March 9.

This will be followed by successive matches against former Challenge Cup champions India on March 11 and Tajikistan.

“We are actually the lowest-ranked team amongst the teams that qualified,” said Palami.

"We want just like what we did in the Suzuki Cup to go to the semifinals at least, if we make it to the finals, that will be a dream come true," he added. The Azkals are coming off a near-upset against Southeast Asian powerhouse Malaysia.

The Filipinos showed an improved game against the Suzuki Cup titlist by scoring in the first half of the game. Filipino-German striker Denis Wolf got through the Malaysian defense with a diving header in the 34th minute.

But the Malaysians showed championship experience by pulling off a surprise goal during injury time. The game ended in a 1-1 deadlock. “I commend the boys for a very good job. It's Malaysia, it's not just any other team, the reigning Suzuki Cup champions,” said Palami.

source: abs-cbnnews
 

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