Azkals face Turkmenistan with Challenge Cup semis berth at stake

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Men’s Football team’s fate in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup hangs in the balance when they face Turkmenistan in their final match of the group stages this Saturday, May 24.

Going into match day 3, the Azkals find themselves tied with Afghanistan for first place in Group B with 4 points each and even on goal difference. Either a win or a draw will ensure passage of the Philippines into the semi-finals, while a loss against the Turkmens would require winless Laos to defeat unbeaten Afghanistan for the Philippines to progress.

The fateful Turkmenistan showdown will take place at the National Stadium in Maldives on Saturday at 7PM.

After a 5-1 victory against Laos on opening day, Turkmenistan suffered a 3-1 defeat to Afghanistan. This leaves the Turkmens in 3rd place of the group with only 3 points, requiring them to defeat the Azkals to ensure progression to the next stage.

The Philippines will have to adjust to injuries suffered by both goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and defender Juani Guirado. Etheridge is still suffering from a recurrence of a thigh injury during their match with Afghanistan on Wednesday, May 21, while Juani Guirado was stretchered off after injuring his knee during Friday’s 2-0 win against Laos.

Thomas Dooley, the coach of the Azkals, confirmed the injury of the duo. It is suspected that the injuries would keep both players out for the remainder of the tournament. 

Turkmenistan also finds themselves without a few key players. During their 3-1 defeat against Afghanistan, the Turkmens finished the game with 9 men. The referee sent off goalkeeper Nikita Gorbunov and defender Serdar Annaorazov in the second half which rules them out against the Philippines, while defender Shohrat Soyunov will also miss the match due to accumulated yellow cards.

Rahim Kurbanmamedov, the coach of Turkmenistan, said that he has confidence in the players set to replace those who are missing out and that no change in strategy is needed. 

Despite needing only a draw Thomas Dooley says that he is looking for a win against Turkmenistan.

The last time these two sides met in the AFC Challenge Cup was during the semi-finals of the competition in 2012. Turkmenistan defeated the Philippines 2-1 to progress to the finals. The Azkals finished the tournament in third place, while the Turkmens were defeated in the finals by North Korea. – Rappler.com