New-look Azkals tie Qatari side

MANILA, Philippines — Giving its reserves significant playing time, the Philippines still more than held its ground against Qatar’s Al-Ahli in a 1-1 stalemate Monday night that capped its weeklong camp in Doha.

The Azkals took the lead through defender Juani Guirado’s header off a corner kick in the 67th minute only to concede a late equalizer to an Al-Ahli side reinforced by African, Brazilian and Uruguayan players.

Azkals coach Thomas Dooley pulled another surprise with his starting eleven, resting the injured Phil Younghusband and fielding Ruben Doctora and Nate Burkey up front, while pairing Amani Aguinaldo and Rob Gier at the back.

Drew Liauw was also given a start at rightback along with Simon Greatwich, who cracked the first eleven as a central midfielder alongside Jason de Jong. The Azkals controlled the game for long stretches and could have scored “two or three more goals,” according to manager Dan Palami.

“The game allowed us to assess all the players and their readiness for the national team,” said Palami.

“It’s good to see that even with nonstarters, we controlled the game.”

The Azkals continue their buildup for the AFC Challenge Cup with a friendly match against Malaysia in Cebu on April 27.

Another camp in Bahrain is slated in the second week of May, before the Azkals plunge into action in the Maldives on May 20 against Afghanistan.

“We’re still a work in progress and other teams are certainly building up as well,” Palami said.