AFC Asian Cup appearance validates Philippine Azkals still on right track
HAD it roller-coaster in previous years in international competitions, the Philippine national men’s football team, or the Azkals, has added a new feather in its cap by barging into the AFC Asian Cup for the very first time.
It is an achievement that carries with it a lot of significance not only on the pitch but also on the whole Azkals program for the present and the future.
Speaking to sports media following his talk in the recently held “Business of Football — Philippines” conference at the New World Makati Hotel, Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami said they are very proud of booking a spot in the prestigious continental tournament and that it has given them renewed confidence in what they are doing with the program, which has resulted in the resurgence in interest in Philippine football and the further development of the sport.
“The Asian Cup has a lot of significance because it is the first time we are competing there. As an organization it gives us confidence that what we are doing is right. That what we are doing the last couple of years have not come for naught,” said Mr. Palami, who was asked to come on board the team nearly a decade ago and has been a huge part of the Azkals’ success since.
“With the Asian Cup appearance we believe we have opened the doors for future Azkals in this particular tournament. We have proven that we compete there. That we can do it,” he added.
The AFC Asian Cup happens from Jan. 5 to Feb. 1, 2019 at the United Arab Emirates and the Azkals booked a spot in it after topping their group in the qualification round, punctuated by their 2-1 victory over Tajikistan on March 27 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
The Azkals are in Group C in the Asian Cup along with China, South Korea and Kyrgyzstan, a group that Mr. Palami said is a tough one but nonetheless is something not stopping them from angling to have the best results possible.
“As debutants in the tournament we’re not expecting too much but we’ll compete. We are doing what we can to have the best results,” Mr. Palami said.
The Azkals official further said currently they are in the final stages of evaluating the short list of possible coaches after American coach Thomas Dooley’s contract ended days after he led the team to the Asian Cup spot.
Mr. Dooley is included in the list, Mr. Palami was quick to say, adding they could well announce the name of the Azkals coach by June 14.
“We’ll prepare the best way we can. Get the best possible players. We are looking to play some tune- up matches against top teams in the lead- up to the Asian Cup. Bahrain has contacted us about playing them and maybe Australia, too,” Mr. Palami said.
Apart from the AFC Asian Cup, the Azkals are also set to see action in the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup happening from Nov. 8 to Dec. 15 where it is lumped in Group B along with Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the winner between Brunei and Timor- Liste in their qualifier set for September.