PH Akzals, Azerbaijan to face in international friendly

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MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine football squad will square off with world No. 94 Azerbaijan in an international friendly on March 5, the Philippine Football Federation announced Sunday.

Azerbaijan, which is ranked 33 spots higher than the Filipinos, will be a good test for the Azkals as they gear up for the AFC Challenge Cup in May.

In a statement, the PFF said that it did not have second thoughts in accepting the invitation from Azerbaijan football federation for the two national teams to meet.

“We cannot let pass the invitation of Azerbaijan to a friendly match. It will be a good exposure for our national team, and would help our preparations for the AFC Challenge Cup Maldives finals in May 2014,” said PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.

The match will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, but the PFF said it was still working on other details like the venue and kick-off time.