Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge left for international duty on a winning note for Cardiff City FC.
The Filipino international played a key role as the Welsh side picked up just its second win of the English Premier League season after rallying past 10-man Brighton and Hove Albion, 2-1, at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.
With nine minutes remaining and the two sides level at 1-all, Etheridge was called into action as he denied a shot from Jozé Izquierdo on goal.
“It’s a great feeling to come away with three points and head for the Philippines on the back of a victory,” said Etheridge, who will start for the Azkals in their AFF Suzuki Cup opener against Singapore on Tuesday in Bacolod City.
But the Azkals’ bid suffered a huge blow after striker Javier Patiño sustained calf injury during training on Saturday.
The Filipino-Spanish striker was tipped to lead the line for the Azkals who will also face Timor Leste on Saturday in Malaysia.