SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Following a highly successful 2012, the Philippine Azkals is hoping to continue its winning ways and build on the momentum by starting their 2013 campaign with an international friendly against Myanmar in Yangon on Wednesday, February 6.
Despite missing the services of formidable playmakers including Stephan Schrock, Jerry Lucena, Dennis Cagara, Paul Mulders, the Guirado brothers as well as local-based players Carlie de Murga, Denis Wolf and Misagh Bahadoran who are all nursing injuries, the Azkals will rely on the steady influence of the Younghusband brothers and the formidable presence of Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
Only three foreign-based players will link up with the squad including veteran defender Rob Gier of Ascot United and Ingolstadt 04 midfielder Manny Ott along with Etheridge.
Notable additions to the squad includes Kaya FC striker OJ Porteria and Global midfielder Matthew Uy both of whom proved their worth in the Philippine Football Peace Cup by helping the country win the trophy while veterans Ian Araneta, Roel Gener and Boogie Margarse will also make a comeback in the national pool after being left out in the squad who played in the Suzuki Cup.
The Philippines and Myanmar last met in the final match of the group stages of the 2012 Suzuki Cup that saw the Azkals advance to the semifinals with a 2-0 thrashing of the White Angels in Bangkok. Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado scored the goals that secured the Azkals’ entrance in the tournament’s semifinals for the second time in a row.
The win was the Philippines’ first victory over Myanmar after twelve meetings. The White Angels have beaten the Azkals eight times and drawn three.
The undermanned Azkals will try to score another victory against the White Angels in their home turf in Yangon while the Burmese side will try to avenge their loss and capitalize on their historical advantage against the Phl XI despite missing the services of brilliant midfielder Kyi Lin due to injuries.
The international friendly is part of the Azkals’ preparations to the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers that will be held in the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on March 22-26.
Here is the live blog of the match: