Azkals leave for 10-day UAE training camp

Europe-based players like Neil Etheridge doubtful to attend camp.

MANILA, Philippines—For the Philippine Azkals, training camp couldn’t come soon enough.

With the AFC Challenge Cup just five weeks away, the Azkals leave for the United Arab Emirates Tuesday to undergo a 10-day camp aimed at sharpening their form.

The Azkals are scheduled to play three matches in the camp, including two in Dubai starting Saturday against AFC Asian Cup semifinalist Uzbekistan at the Al Maktoom Stadium.

Also lined up is a duel against Qatar first division side Al Ahli in Doha on Monday. The Azkals return to Dubai for another match against the Qantas Australian U-23 side on Feb. 16.

“It’s a great opportunity, regardless of the result,” said Azkals coach Michael Weiss. “The important thing is the camp will bring us together.”

With majority of his players tied up with their clubs, holding training with a complete lineup has been difficult for Weiss over the past month, raising concerns over the team’s readiness for the Challenge Cup.

The Azkals are grouped with powerhouse teams Tajikistan, India and North Korea in the March 9 to 13 tournament in Nepal.

Some of the Europe-based players like Neil Etheridge, Paul Mulders and Stephan Schrock are also doubtful attendees to the camp.

Brothers Phil and James Younghusband are among the players in the 18-man list, along with the injured Chieffy Caligdong, who is expected to be fully fit by the end of the month.

Fil-Spanish brothers Juan Luis and Angel Guirado are also in the squad together with veterans Jason Sabio, Lexton Moy, Misagh Bahadoran, Ian Araneta, Nestorio Margarse, Roel Gener, Ed Sacapano and Rob Gier.