Azkals: We’re still strong sans Phil and James Younghusband

Phil and James Younghusband AFP file photo

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Football Peace Cup, formerly known as the Long Teng Cup, kicks off Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The Philippine Azkals, who finished second to Hong Kong in last year’s tournament, will battle it out against Guam, Macau and Chinese Taipei.

The Azkals though, won’t have the services of Phil and James Younghusband.

Despite the exclusion of the two football stars, Chieffy Caligdong, who took home the Golden Boot award last year, remained upbeat of the Azkals chances.

“We have new faces in the team. Siguro mas malakas kami ngayon (as compared to) last Long Teng Cup,” said Caligdong, who led the tournament with four goals, in a press conference. “Every team wants a good result.”

“We’ll probably rotate [players] a little bit. I’m willing to give the players their chances,” said head coach Hans Michael Weiss.

The Philippines opens its campaign against Guam before battling Macau Thursday and clashing with Chinese Taipei on Saturday.