FILE — Philippine Azkals vs Nepal in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Photo by: Tristan Tamayo/Inquirer.net
With key players out due to injuries and suspension, Philippine Azkals coach Thomas Dooley is pinning his hopes on a slew of newcomers as well as returning veterans when they face Yemen in AFC Asian Cup Qualifying on Tuesday at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
Dooley has called up Southeast Asian Games veterans Dylan De Bruycker and Josh Grommen to join the 23-man side which also includes other newcomers Tyler Matas of FC Meralco Manila and Harry Foll who plays club football for Hansa Rostock in Germany.
The Azkals are looking to extend their unbeaten start to three matches in Group F, where the Top 2 teams will clinch berths to the 2019 Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates. But three starters from the win against Tajikistan will miss the clash against Yemen, including Javier Patino who is out due to a long term knee injury.
Top defender Amani Aguinaldo is also sidelined by injury, while leftback Daisuke Sato is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the first two games of the qualifying round.
Other players like Stephan Schrock and Jeffrey Christiaens announced their retirement from the national team the past week.
Dooley has turned to United States-raised wingback Matas, who has played a key role in Meralco’s rise in the Philippines Football League.
After struggling with injuries last season, Austrian League veteran Stephan Palla is also set to return to the Azkals along with Simone Rota of Davao, who has recovered from a knee injury.