Philippine Azkals during their match at the Philippine Sports Stadium. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
THE PHILIPPINE Azkals get their AFF Suzuki Cup buildup going today when they battle Australian League side Perth Glory at Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.
A mix of veterans and newcomers has been named to the squad by deputy coach Aris Caslib as the Azkals face an A-League side that beat the UFL All-Stars last Saturday.
Misagh Bahadoran, who scored three goals in World Cup Qualifying, heads the squad along with Phil Younghusband, who will play in his first Azkals match since October last year.
Also recalled to the national squad were Amani Aguinaldo, Simone Rota, Dennis Villanueva, James Younghusband, Jim Ashley Flores, Daniel Gadia, Balot Doctora, OJ Clarino, Miguel Tanton, Jerry Barbaso and Jinggoy Valmayor and goalkeepers Nick O’Donnell and Jun Badelic.
With star-studded Ceres-La Salle not required to release its standouts, Caslib was forced to search for new players with former Ateneo ace Val Calvo and Jaime Cheng getting surprise call-ups.
“It’s just a good opportunity for us to test players and widen the talent pool,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami. “We want the best possible squad to play in the AFF Suzuki Cup and these matches are part of that process.”
Glory is playing its third match in seven days in the country, after battling Global to a draw last Wednesday.
Former Ireland international Andy Keogh and Australian international Josh Risdon were among the Perth players who impressed against the UFL All-Stars last Saturday.