Azkals fail to qualify for 2023 AFC Asian Cup

FILE–Philippine Azkals in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. –AZKALS PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Azkals failed to qualify for next year’s AFC Asian Cup.

The Philippine Azkals came in second place in Group B but did not make the cut with only four points in three matches.

The 4-0 loss to Palestine on Tuesday proved to have sealed the Azkals’ fate as it pulled the plug on their bid for a second straight appearance in the continental meet.

Palestine topped Group B with a 3-0 record to secure a spot in the Asian Cup.

Jordan, Uzbekistan, India, Bahrain and Tajikistan finished on top of their respective groups.

Group runner-ups Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong also earned tickets to the Asian Cup.