Azkals want strong finish to AFF Suzuki Cup buildup

MANILA, Philippines — Hoping to finally surpass its semifinal finish in the last two editions of the AFF Suzuki Cup, the Philippines is eyeing three more matches to complete its preparation for the prestigious tournament set Nov. 22 to 28 in Hanoi.

The Azkals are already slated to face Nepal on Oct. 31 in Doha.

A friendly with Malaysia has been tentatively set on Nov. 8 probably in Manila, but Azkals coach Thomas Dooley and team manager Dan Palami want one more match to wrap up the buildup.

Palami said Qatar or Bahrain may also be invited for a match with the Azkals.

“We don’t want to be complacent and think we are strong already,” said Palami after the 5-0 drubbing of Papua New Guinea last Sunday. “We’re not at the form we want to be yet.”

Dooley said he will call up four more players based abroad for the Suzuki Cup.

Jerry Lucena and Martin Steuble are expected to beef up the midfield, while Filipino-Spanish defender Alvaro Silva, who plays in Kuwait, could finally make his much anticipated debut next month.

Roland Muller is also expected to be recalled.