Azkals fly to Doha seeking maximum points

Looking to grab maximum points this time, the Philippine Azkals flew to Doha last Tuesday night to undergo a one-week camp in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifying duel with Yemen.

Missing several key players due to injuries, the Azkals were held to a 2-2 draw by the Yemenis Sept. 5 at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

But the Filipinos remain on top of Group F with seven points, although a defeat in the Oct. 10 clash at Al Wakrah SC Stadium could put their qualification hopes in peril.

Azkals coach Thomas Dooley got a boost on the defensive end with Daisuke Sato, who plays for Horsens in the Danish first division, returning from suspension.

The Azkals have conceded six goals from their first three matches and they suffered a blow when top centerback Amani Aguinaldo sustained a long-term knee injury.

Misagh Bahadoran, the leading scorer in World Cup Qualifying two years ago, also did not make the trip due to a shoulder injury.