The Philippine Azkals face familiar opposition in their bid to qualify for the 2019 Asian Cup after being bracketed in Group F of the competition’s third round of qualifiers in Monday’s draw held in Abu Dhabi.
Joining the Azkals in the four-team group are Tajikistan, Yemen and Nepal – countries they had faced in previous tournaments such as the AFC Challenge Cup and the second round of the 2018 World Cup/2019 Asian Cup qualifiers.
In order to reach the region’s biggest football competition which will also be held in Abu Dhabi in two years time, the Philippines must secure a top two finish in the double-round stage which will use a home-and-away format.
While familiarity will benefit the Azkals, it may also pose as a possible hindrance.
The Azkals had beaten Tajikistan, 2-1, in the 2012 Challenge Cup group stage, and defeated Nepal twice, including a 2-1 victory in the semifinals of the 2014 Challenge Cup in the latter’s home pitch in Kathmandu.
Their recent record against Yemen is mixed, winning 2-0 in the second round of the World Cup/Asian Cup qualifiers in Doha, Qatar in June 2015, but lost 1-0 at home in Rizal Memorial Stadium several months later.
The Azkals open their campaign during the year’s first international window on March 28 against Nepal.
Up next for the Filipinos are matches against Tajikistan (June 13), Yemen (Sept. 5 and Oct. 10), Nepal (Nov. 14) and Tajikistan (March 27, 2018).