Azkals face Malaysia; coach post still vacant

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines will face Southeast Asian powerhouse Malaysia in a friendly on March 1 as part of its buildup for the AFC Challenge Cup.

The friendly, which was confirmed by the Philippine Football Federation Wednesday, will be played at the Selayang Municipal Council in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.

The Azkals, who have yet to find a replacement for coach Michael Weiss, are preparing for the Challenge Cup in the Maldives in May.

Meanwhile, Serbian coach Radojko “Raddy” Avramovic, one of the candidates for the Azkals’ coaching vacancy, has reportedly accepted an offer to take the helm with the Burmese national side.

Reports from Singapore revealed that Avramovic, who steered the Lions to three Southeast Asian titles, will start working in Myanmar on Feb. 1.

Myanmar is also seeing action in the eight-team Challenge Cup finals where the winner will earn a berth to the Asian Cup in Australia in 2015.

Former United States skipper Thomas Dooley has also been considered for the Azkals’ post.

The World Cup veteran is expected to meet with PFF officials, led by Azkals manager Dan Palami, in the United States this week.