Photo by: Tristan Tamayo/Inquirer.net
The Philippines is not in danger of missing out on the AFC Asian Cup, but the clash against Tajikistan on Tuesday night may feel like a do-or-die match for the Azkals.
On the heels of a deflating 1-8 loss to China in a friendly last Wednesday in Guangzhou, the Azkals hope to regain their bearings against a Tajikistan side which is expected to be backed by 15,000 fans at Republican Central Stadium in Dushanbe.
“We need this win just to take that China loss out of our system,” said Azkals skipper Phil Younghusband. The heavy defeat turned out to be a horror show as the Azkals were outclassed by the superior Chinese.
But while Tajikistan is not in the same level as the Chinese, Younghusband said they still can’t afford to defend the way they did in their last outing.
“We can’t expect to get a result if we play that way,” he said.
The Azkals opened their Asian Cup Qualifying campaign on a winning note, drubbing Nepal, 4-1, at home last March. But they are expected to have their hands full against a desperate Tajik side, which dropped its opener to Yemen, 1-2.
A win by the Azkals will keep them in the lead in Group F, where the top two teams will qualify for the Asian Cup in 2019 in the United Arab Emirates.
Tajikistan coach Khakim Fuzaylov said his team has no room for error against the Azkals.
“This match is a six pointer,” said Fuzaylov. “We will play at home and have no right to make a mistake in front of our own fans.”
The Azkals will miss Jeff Christiaens, Pika Minegishi and James Younghusband due to injuries, but top striker Javier Patiño, who is also coming off an injury, will be available for selection.
Azkals coach Thomas Dooley, however, faces a dilemma in defense as Luke Woodland, who was converted to centerback, struggled against China. Dooley could opt for Dennis Villanueva again to pair up with Amani Aguinaldo at central defense.