Game Today
(Rizal Memorial Stadium)
8 p.m. – Philippines vs Kyrgyzstan
The Philippine Azkals aim for an impressive showing before the start of the AFF Suzuki Cup when they take on Kyrgyzstan in an international friendly match tonight at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The 8 p.m. match will see whether the Azkals have found ways to improve on miscues during their defeats to Bahrain and North Korea in a pair of home friendlies last month.
A positive result should give the Filipino booters needed momentum with 10 days remaining before the Suzuki Cup reels off at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.
They can’t afford to play lackluster anew, especially with Singapore, Indonesia and defending champion Thailand being part of their group.
It will be the second meeting this year between the Azkals and Kyrgyzstan after their first encounter ended with the Filipinos winning 2-1 in Bishkek on goals from Kevin Ingreso and Misagh Bahadoran.
Once again expected to lead the Azkals attack are Bahadoran, Stephan Schrock, Manny Ott, brothers Phil and James Younghusband and Iain Ramsay, while Roland Muller is expected to guard the sticks.
Some familiar faces will also be in uniform for the friendly, namely former Global left back Daisuke Sato, Singapore-based Mark Hartmann and ex-Kaya striker OJ Porteria.