MANILA, Philippines - Hoping to build on the momentum of a successful 2012, the Philippine national men's football team battles Myanmar on Wednesday, February 6, to jumpstart their 2013 campaign.

The Azkals battle Myanmar in the White Angels' home turf in Yangon at 6:30pm (Philippine time), with the PH booters getting back star goalkeeper Neil Etheridge back in the fold after a long absence.

Joining Etheridge and other regulars in the match that will serve as the Azkals' preparation for the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers in March, is midfielder Manny Ott.

Rob Gier, likewise, makes his return to the backline, but the national team will miss injured Carli de Murga and Denis Wolf.

Joining the Azkals in the pair's absence is Kaya FC striker OJ Porteria, who scored a goal in his last appearance in the final game of the Philippine Football Peace Cup against Chinese Taipei, and Global FC midfielder Matthew Uy.

Veterans Ian Araneta, Roel Gener and Nestor Margarse, Jr. also return to the lineup after missing out on the AFF Suzuki Cup late last year.

Vengeance for White Angels

The Azkals trampled on Myanmar, 2-0, in the Suzuki Cup, earning a ticket to the semifinals after beating the Burmese for the first time in history.

Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado each drilled in a goal in the win that propelled the Philippines to a second straight Final Four berth in the biennial tourney.

But the Azkals will face a different Myanmar XI this time, with star midfielder Kyi Lin, who terrorized foes in the Suzuki Cup, out due to injury.

Expected to pick up the slack will be Kyaw Ko Ko, Kyaw Zayar Win and Soe Min Oo, who were called up to strengthen the Burmese frontline. - Rappler.com