PH Azkals, Malaysia friendly set in Cebu

Azkals. FILE PHOTO

CEBU CITY—Back in the comforts of home, the Philippines seeks to sustain the progress it has made under Thomas Dooley when it clashes with Malaysia in what could be its last international friendly before plunging into action in the AFC Challenge Cup next month.

In the final stretch of their preparations for the Challenge Cup in the Maldives, the Azkals, who have not played a home game since October last year, hope to gauge their level against a side which they battled to a draw in another friendly match last March 1 in Kuala Lumpur.

The major difference, however, in the 7 p.m. duel Sunday night at Cebu City Sports Center is the fact that Azkals leading scorer Phil Younghusband has been ruled out due to a groin injury, opening the opportunity for either in-form striker Ruben Doctora or Patrick Reichelt to lead the line.

“We have the best team available right now that we can get,” said Dooley, who has a pool of to 30 players.