Tom Saintfiet exits Philippine football

c/o Philippine Football Federation

Here is the official statement from the Philippine Football Federation as released Thursday morning.

Tom Sainfiet will be leaving his role as Head Coach of the Philippine Men’s National Team with immediate effect.

“From my first meeting with Tom this is something we had discussed that if a bigger opportunity came to him that I wouldn’t stand in his way. Tom came into the Philippine job with every intention of helping with our project, but his heart has always been in Africa. We thank him for his service and wish him well in his new role,” said Director of Senior National Teams Freddy Gonzalez.

The former head coach of The Gambia, Saintfiet returns to Africa to lead Mali.

“With the Merdeka Cup around the corner, and preparations for the Mitsubishi Electric Cup ramping up, we need to move on quickly from this. We are already looking at candidates to take on the Head Coach role. I’m confident in finding a man that will be committed to our vision,” said Gonzalez.

This follows the official announcement from the Malian Football Association of the hiring.

Philippines calls up 26 for World Cup Qualifying

On Wednesday, the Philippine Football Federation called up twenty-six players for the Philippines' opening two matches of second round dual qualifying in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

The Azkals are slated to host Vietnam on November 16 with Indonesia coming to the country on the 21st. Both matches are set to take place at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Leading the side is captain Neil Etheridge of Birmingham City, alongside notable veterans Kenshiro Daniels, Manny and Mike Ott, OJ Porteria, Patrick Reichelt, and Daisuke Sato.

In making the decision, head coach Michael Weiss based his selection on both player availability as well as performances from the friendlies that took place in the past months.

He shares, "It’s a good mixture of experienced mainstays for a long time and young well-developing talents brought on by the recent performances of Philippine clubs in AFC competitions. It gives us reason to be optimistic for our first World Cup qualifier matches against Vietnam and Indonesia."

The Azkals faced off against Nepal, Chinese-Taipei, Afghanistan, and Bahrain during that stretch.

With a few notable players left off due to a variety of reasons, Weiss puts a bigger emphasis on the ones "who are with us for the qualifiers."

In line with the Philippines hosting two ASEAN rivals, the PFF has launched a campaign aimed to encourage support the national team.

Called #StandYourGround and #10KStrong, the PFF hopes to encourage fans to show their backing for the team in time for these two matches. With this in place, Weiss believes that such a home support would help propel the Azkals to secure a result.

The German says, "A very important factor is the enthusiasm and support of the 12th man. We hope the fans come in numbers to the stadium, and be part of history."

Players:

1. ETHERIDGE, Neil Leonard

2. HANSEN, Kevin Ray

3. DEYTO, Patrick Phillip

4. ROTA, Simone

5. MARTINEZ DE MURGA, Carlos Alberto

6. TABINAS, Jefferson David

7. RONTINI, Christian

8. CURRAN, Jesse Thomas

9. SATO, Daisuke

10. RUBLICO, Santiago

11. VILLANUEVA, Dennis

12. LYNGBO, Simen Alexander

13. BUGAS, Pocholo

14. PORTERIA, Jose Elmer

15. OTT, Manuel

16. OTT, Mike Rigoberto

17. KEKKONEN, Oskari

18. INGRESO, Kevin

19. BAAS, Mikel Justin

20. REICHELT, Patrick

21. MARAÑON, Bienvenido

22. MENZI, Audie

23. ANGELES, Marwin Janver

24. MELLIZA, Jesus Joaquin

25. DANIELS, Kenshiro Michael

26. SCHRÖCK, Stephan Markus

Bacolod to host AFF Suzuki Cup Group Stage matches, Tickets available tomorrow

Schedule and Ticketing details for the Philippines in the AFF Suzuki Cup Group Stage

The most-anticipated tournament in the region is sporting new wrinkles.

The AFF Suzuki Cup is just a month away, and it has a new format to play with for football fans.

Doing away with a central venue per Group Stage format used in its previous editions, the 2018 version now has a home-and-away format, with two home matches and two away matches. It does still keep the two-group set-up, but this time having five teams in a group instead of four.

The Philippines is packaged alongside the teams it faced during their disappointing 2016 campaign in Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. Timor Leste completes the Group B participants after surviving a two-legged playoff against Brunei.

Meanwhile, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos form the basis for Group A.

The Philippine Football Federation has selected the Pana-ad Park and Football Stadium to be the home stadium for the Philippines in its AFF Suzuki Cup matches, which is the first time since 2006 that the football facility will be hosting such a match. PFF President Mariano Araneta, Jr, shares, "The AFF Suzuki Cup makes its return to the Pana-­ad Park and Football Stadium in Bacolod City. It (the AFF Suzuki Cup) holds a special place to all Philippine football fans. We invite all football stakeholders and more importantly, the fans to support the Men’s National Team in their home matches."

Pana-ad will host the matches against Singapore on November 13 and Thailand on November 21. As for the away matches, the Kuala Lumpur Stadium will serve as host for the Azkals' match against Timor Leste on November 17, with the cavernous Gelora Bung Karno Stadium serving as the venue for their match against Indonesia.

Ticketing details for both matches are already posted on the above photo.

To prepare for this tournament and for the subsequent AFC Asian Cup early next year, the Philippines participated in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup in Bangladesh, where they made it to the semifinals. They also faced Oman in a friendly, which ended up in a 1-1 draw in Qatar.

Azkals kick off Bangabandhu Gold Cup campaign against Laos

The Bangabandhu Gold Cup

The Azkals continue their preparations for their AFF Suzuki Cup and AFC Asian Cup campaigns with their participation in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup tournament in Bangladesh this week.

Kicking off their stint in Dhaka is a matchup against fellow ASEAN side Laos. Streaming link for the match is below.



The Philippines has won its last four meetings against Laos, with their last defeat taking place almost ten years ago.

Under the coaching guidance of Scott Cooper and assisted by Anto Gonzales and Popoy Clarino, the Philippine Football Federation enlisted these 21 players to represent the country for this tournament.

Goalkeepers: Louie Casas, Eduard Sacapano, Ace Villaneuva
Defenders: Amani Aguinaldo, Jerry Barbaso, Ian Clarino, Anton del Rosario, Jordan Jarvis, Alvin Sarmiento
Midfielders: Nate Alquiros, Marvin Angeles, Marwin Angeles, Kenshiro Daniels, Angel Guirado, Angelo Marasigan, Hikaru Minegeshi, Paolo Salenga
Forwards: Fitch Arboleda, Misagh Bahadoran, Jovin Bedic, Jarvey Gayoso

Miras named as Azkals Advertising Manager

Jun Miras, the new Advertising Manager
for the Philippine Azkals

The Azkals, in its continued bid to maintain a high profile in the sporting landscape here in the country, has tapped Melchor Miras, Jr. as their Advertising Manager.

As the Advertising Manager, Miras is tasked with the further marketing and promotion of Senior Men's National Football Team, in coordination with team management's other partners, whether current or in the pipeline. Jun will be working directly with team management on this aspect. He also will work with the Azkals' social media team in helping the team become more visible to even more people across the country, whether online or on the road.

Miras is currently the Chairman of one of the largest advertising companies in the Philippines, Media Puzzle Inc. (MPI). MPI specializes in Out-Of-Home media, and one of their portfolios is being the sole advertising manager alongside the entire MRT-3 route along EDSA.

When asked about the hire, Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami shares, "Jun is a great addition to our team,” Team Manager Dan Palami said. “We want the Azkals to be around and in people’s consciousness even when there are no immediate matches. Of course, the funds we can generate through advertising will also be very important for our campaigns in the Suzuki Cup, Asian Cup, and beyond.

Butcher steps down from Azkals coaching duties

The Azkals' preparations for their two major competitions hit a snag early Friday morning, as Terry Butcher's tenure as the team's head coach ends before it can really begin.

The former England international relayed his decision to step down in a statement handed to the Press Association Sport.

You can read the complete statement from this post by Press Association's Simon Peach.

Terry Butcher's explanation as to why he will not be taking up his first role in international management with the Philippines 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/vLWbF2G0EL

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) August 2, 2018

The Philippine Football Federation has yet to comment on this matter, but Team Manager Dan Palami shared his sentiments to the Philippine Daily Inquirer's Cedelf Tupas.

@TheAzkalsPH manager @dscpalami on Terry Butcher's withdrawal from Azkals head coaching job. Former Thai Premier League champion coach Scott Cooper to handle the team for the meantime. Next Azkals camp will be in Bahrain starting Sept. 3. pic.twitter.com/Iz3au2Z2oZ

— Cedelf P. Tupas (@cedelfptINQ) August 2, 2018

It was only fifty days ago when the team management officially unveiled the hiring of Butcher as the head coach, doing so hours before the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made alongside their decision to also name Scott Cooper as a senior football adviser.

As noted from Palami, Cooper now takes over the program as they continue preparations for the AFF Suzuki Cup in November and the AFC Asian Cup in January. They are expected to have a camp in Bahrain exactly a month from now

Azkals host Fiji tonight

From Left to Right: Phil Younghusband, Thomas Dooley, Christophe Gamel, Roy Krishna

The Philippines kicks off its quest to make it to the AFC Asian Cup with a friendly.

The Azkals will be facing off against Fiji in what would be a dress rehearsal for the actual qualifier against Tajikistan early next week.

Head coach Thomas Dooley is looking at getting the team ready for the major task ahead, having a training camp a few days before and playing this friendly against the 168th-ranked nation.

Morale in the Azkals camp is good, with team skipper Phil Younghusband noting that "Everyone's spirit is on a high."

Michael Falkesgaard is slated to make his national team debut, with Dooley expecting him to play a half in this match. Thomas also said that Javier Patino's status remains up in the air, as this would be his first match since injuring his knee.

Kickoff is slated at 730pm, with live telecast slated on LIGA.

Dan Palami seeks fan support for upcoming Azkals matches

Dan Palami

With the upcoming friendly against Fiji and the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Tajikistan coming in the next few days, Senior Men's National Team Manager Dan Palami is asking Filipino fans to support the Azkals in these matches.

According to Palami, "This is an important match for the country, and the cards are not exactly stacked against us. We are currently on top of the table of Group F with 9 points. We win or we draw, we will move forward and the country will be part of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time."

He continues, "We want the ‘12th man’ to be there in both the tune-up game and the Asian Cup qualifier match.  This sport deserves all the support it can get, as we have already gone far, since 2010, when I took over as Team Manager of Azkals."

Palami adds, "We should also be proud of our national team players who are doing well internationally in their various clubs. Such as Neil Etheridge, currently with Cardiff City, and all other previous PFL club players, who are doing well and are now playing for neighboring Asian countries, such as Ian Ramsay, who is currently with Felda United and Misagh Bahadoran, who is with Perak FA… And maybe this is the only way that the country or the youth can see, that aspiring for an international football career is not that impossible."

The friendly against Fiji on March 22 is to get the team ready for the Qualifier against Tajikistan on March 27, with a berth in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates on the line.

Tickets for both matches are available either through SM Tickets or through the gate at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. The match will be shown LIVE on Liga.

PFF announce Azkals friendly with Fiji

Azkals back in action in a few weeks

With the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Tajikistan already set this coming March 27, the Philippine Football Federation recently announced that it will be holding an A-level International Friendly for its Senior Men's National Team against Fiji on March 22 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

This would be the Azkals' second-ever friendly against a side from the Oceania Football Confederation, following their October 2014 friendly against Papua New Guinea that also took place at Rizal Memorial.

Tickets are already available via SM Tickets, with options for PhP 50, 100, 200 for fans to purchase.

In addition, tickets for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Tajikistan are also available, but the ticket prices are PhP 100, 200, and 300, respectively. However, bleacher seating is not an option, per AFC regulations.

Rizal Memorial set to host final Philippine AFC Asian Cup Qualifier

The Azkals have a new (old) venue to play in

There has been a slight tweak on the final AFC Asian Cup Qualifier for the Philippines against Tajikistan on March 27.

The Philippine Football Federation has secured consent from the Asian Football Confederation to switch its venue from Pana-ad Park and Stadium in Bacolod to Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.

Pana-ad had been originally pegged as original venue for the qualifier, but the PFF cited "difficulties in securing fully-equipped training venues" in making the switch back to Rizal Memorial. The complex previously hosted the ACQ against Nepal back in March last year, where they defeated Nepal, 4-1.

The statement from PFF President Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. is as follows:

"We announce that the AFC has approved the PFF’s request to move the final match of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers back to Manila. This match will be a crucial match as it will decide the Philippine Men’s National Team’s chances of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup."

The Azkals are currently on top of Group F, toting nine points, with their Central Asian counterparts in third place with seven points. With three straight draws in the qualifiers, including a goalless draw against Nepal in Kathmandu back in November, the Philippines can secure its Asian Cup berth for as long as they do not lose against the visitors.

Araneta adds, "We hope all football stakeholders and supporters rally behind the Men’s National Team. Qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 will be a historic moment in Philippine football."

The federation adds that ticketing details will be announced soon when more information becomes available.

Philippines Squad for ACQ vs Nepal named

The Philippines in their last meeting against Nepal at Rizal Memorial.

The Philippine Football Federation on Monday named officially called up 23 individuals for national team duty against Nepal.

These players will be participating in Matchday 5 of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, which will take place on November 14, 2017 at the ANFA Complex in Kathmandu.

The Azkals are currently atop the Group F standings with eight points in four matches, whilst Nepal is at the bottom of the group with a solitary point. A win for the Thomas Dooley-coached side will ensure a berth in the AFC Asian Cup Finals in two years' time at the UAE with a match to spare.

Rizal Memorial hosted their earlier meeting in the ACQ, with a 4-1 win for the Philippines. Phil Younghusband netted a brace, with Iain Ramsay and Javier Patino each scoring a goal.

Here are the 23 men called up for national team duty

Marwin Angeles (Kaya FC-Makati)
Fitch Arboleda (Stallion Laguna FC)
Misagh Bahadoran (Global Cebu FC)
Dylan De Bruycker (Davao Aguilas FC)
Carlie de Murga (Ceres-Negros FC)
Patrick Deyto (Global Cebu FC)
Curt Dizon (FC Meralco Manila)
Joshua Dutosme (Ceres-Negros FC)
Neil Etheridge (Cardiff City FC)
Kevin Ingreso (Ceres-Negros FC)
Sean Kane (JPV Marikina FC)
Hikaru Minegeshi (Global Cebu FC)
Paul Mulders (Global Cebu FC)
Junior Munoz (Ceres-Negros FC)
Nick O'Donnell (Davao Aguilas FC)
Mike Ott (Angthong United)
Iain Ramsay (Ceres-Negros FC)
Simone Rota (Davao Aguilas FC)
Paolo Salenga (Global Cebu FC)
Daisuke Sato (AC Horsens)
Dennis Villanueva (Global Cebu FC)
James Younghusband (Davao Aguilas FC)
Phil Younghusband (Davao Aguilas FC)

Injuries are keeping Patino, Amani Aguinaldo, Manny Ott, and Luke Woodland from being called-up, while making their first call-up to the senior side are Dutosme and Salenga. Meanwhile, Angeles gets called up for the first time in three years, while Bahadoran returns after an injury prevented him from being called up for the ACQ against Yemen last month.

Stefano Marsella is assisting Dooley in this particular Qualifier.

PFF calls up Azkals Squad For Yemen ACQ

ACQ a few days from now

Earlier this week, the Philippine Football Federation officially called 23 players for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Yemen. The ACQ will take place on September 5 at the Pana-ad Park and Football Stadium in the City of Bacolod, with a 730pm kickoff. To prepare for this match, the team has been in a camp since August 28.

The players called up are as follows:

Misagh Bahardoran (Global Cebu FC)
Dylan de Bruycker (Davao Aguilas FC)
Carlie de Murga (Ceres-Negros FC)
Patrick Deyto (Global Cebu FC)
Neil Etheridge (Cardiff City FC)
Harry Föll (FC Hansa Rostock)
Joshua Grommen (Ceres-Negros FC)
Kevin Ingreso (Ceres-Negros FC)
Tyler Matas (FC Meralco Manila)
Hikaru Minegeshi (Global Cebu FC)
Junior Munoz (Ceres-Negros FC)
Paul Mulders (Global Cebu FC)
Nick O'Donnell (Davao Aguilas FC)
Manny Ott (Ceres-Negros FC)
Mike Ott (Angthong United)
Stephan Palla (RZ Pellets WAC)
Iain Ramsay (Ceres-Negros FC)
Patrick Reichelt (Ceres-Negros FC)
Simone Rota (Davao Aguilas FC)
Dennis Villanueva (Global Cebu FC)
Luke Woodland (Ceres-Negros FC)
James Younghusband (Davao Aguilas FC)
Phil Younghusband (Davao Aguilas FC)

Notable omissions include Javier Patiño and Amani Aguinaldo, who have been sidelined with injuries, as well as Daisuke Sato, who is suspended for this particular fixture as a result of getting a yellow card booking in the past two Asian Cup Qualifiers. Also notable is the absence of Stephan Schröck, which may have just announced his international retirement on a post on his Instagram account.

Even with the omissions, there are seven players set to possibly make their debut in this portion of the qualifiers, with a few making a return to national team duty.

Both Rota and Reichelt battled injuries that sidelined them for quite a bit before becoming healthy enough to get the call, while Palla gets called up for the first time in over a year. The defender last played for the national team during the World Cup Qualifiers.

Potential senior national team debuts await for the other four footballers, with De Bruycker and Grommen fresh from a stint in the Southeast Asian Games with the Under-22 National Team, Matas stepping up thanks to his role with FC Meralco Manila, and Föll as the lone overseas-based newcomer with Bundesliga 3rd division side FC Hansa Rostock.

The team once again will be handled under the auspices of former United States international Thomas Dooley, with Kurt Kowarz and Chieffy Caligdong acting as assistants.

Philippines to face Yemen in Asian Cup Qualifier

ACQ: Pilipinas vs Yemen

The Philippines continues its ambitious bid to make the 2019 AFC Asian Cup with its upcoming matchup against Yemen this coming September 5.

Already toting a couple of wins against Nepal and Tajikistan, the Azkals are currently atop Group F with six points and are looking to add on to that tally by hosting Yemen at the Pana-ad Stadium in Bacolod.

Kick-off for the match, which is the first one that Bacolod is hosting since the 2013 Philippine Football Peace Cup, is at 730pm.

In making the revelation, Philippine Football Federation General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes says, "We are happy to announce that the Philippine Men's National Team will play at Pana-ad Park and Football Stadium for their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers match against Yemen. We invite all football fans to watch and support our Philippine Men's Team, the Azkals."

Fans interested to watch the game can purchase their tickets at SM Tickets outlets and at www.smtickets.com. One can also get them at Pana-ad on gameday itself.

Seat Pricing is as follows:

Category 1: Blue Grandstand = PhP 500
Category 2: Yellow Grandstand = PhP 300
Category 3: Green, Red, and Orange Grandstand = PhP 100
Category 4: Bleachers = PhP 50

Azkals secure hold atop Group F of Asian Cup Qualification

c/o the Tajikistan Football Federation.

The Philippines accomplished what it needed to do at Dushanbe early Wednesday morning, as they escaped with a 4-3 victory over Tajikistan in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Republican Central Stadium.

Fresh from suffering a 8-1 shellacking against China in Guangzhou, the Philippines was seeking to bounce back strong, scoring the opening goal after 28 minutes. Phil Younghusband's free kick sailed over the head of Abduaziz Mahkamov and into the net to give the visitors the early advantage.

The Azkals would double the lead after 41 minutes, as Mike Ott found Javier Patino for the easy finish. The duo then collaborate on another goal to give the Philippines what was thought to be an unassailable 3-0 lead three minutes into the second half, with Patino securing his brace.

The hosts do manage to finally break through in the 57th minute. A foul called on Amani Aguinaldo inside the box meant a penalty, with Parvizjon Umarboev converting the spot kick against Patrick Deyto. Dilshov Vasiev cut the Tajik deficit to 3-2 four minutes later, thanks to Manuschehr Dzhalilov intercepting a Junior Munoz back pass and finding Vasiev for the finish.

The Philippines restored some breathing room in the 79th minute, as Daisuke Sato took a volley from Phil and then firing a rocket past Mahkamov and into the net for the Azkals' fourth goal of the match. But Dzhalilov tried to make things interesting with a 90th minute strike to make it 4-3. Unfortunately for the Central Asians, the four minutes added by the Syrian officials could not yield them a potential tying goal.

The victory and its corresponding three points puts the Azkals on top of Group F with six points off the strength of back-to-back qualifying wins. They are two points ahead of Yemen, who were held to a scoreless draw by Nepal at Kathmandu on Tuesday afternoon. The Arabs will be traveling to Bacolod to face the Azkals in a 1 vs 2 matchup on September 5, with the Pana-ad Stadium hosting the qualifier.

PHI: Munoz (Daniels 64'), Mi. Ott (Doctora 60'), Ramsay, Ma. Ott, P. Younghusband, Sato, Aguinaldo, Villanueva, Ingreso (Woodland 77'), Deyto, Patino

Goals: P. Younghusband 28', Patino 41' 48', Sato 79'

TJK: Mahkamov, Asrorov, I. Dhzalilov, Ergashev, Sharipov (Juraboev 46'), Huber (Vasiev 46'), Umarboev, Babadjanov (Aliev 52'), Fathuloev, Nazarov, M. Dzhalilov

Goals: Umarboev 57' pen, Vasiev 61', M. Dzhalilov 90'

Update: Current Philippine Football Federation Atty. Ed Gastanes released a statement in light of this win:

"We congratulate our national team for their second win in the Asian Cup Qualifiers. This was a perfect response after last week's loss in a friendly with China PR. The win increased our chances for a place in the 2019 Asian Cup."

Philippines vs Tajikistan AFC Asian Cup Qualifier

The Philippines seeks to remain on top of Group F in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at midnight tonight, as they face off against Tajikistan at the Central Republican Stadium. Streaming link is posted below.



In the pre-match press conference, Tajik head coach Khakim Fuzaylov highlighted the urgency of this particular matchup, noting that they "have no right to make a mistake in front of our fans." He added that "the Philippines is a good and strong opponent." Although they did not schedule a friendly, they had ten days of preparation that included a intra-squad scrimmage. One major factor that could possibly hinder the team's performance is the absence of Nuriddin Davronov. The Dunav Ruse midfielder was injured while on loan with Istiklol and missed out on the Tajik side's 1-0 win against Turkmenistan side Altyn Asyr that booked them a seat in the AFC Cup Inter-Zonal Semifinal.

Although the Azkals are level on points atop Group F alongside Yemen, they are fresh off a 8-1 thrashing from China a week earlier. The team hopes to learn from the embarrassing defeat and move on from it with a victory.

The Philippine Football Federation has called-up the following players for national team duty tonight:

Amani Aguinaldo (Global Cebu FC)
Fitch Arboleda (Stallion Laguna FC)
Misagh Bahadoran (Global Cebu FC)
Kenshiro Daniels (Kaya FC)
Dominic Liam Del Rosario (Ilocos United FC)
Patrick Deyto (Global Cebu FC)
Ruben Doctora, Jr. (Stallion Laguna FC)
Kevin Ingreso (Ceres-Negros FC)
Junior Munoz (Ceres-Negros FC)
Nick O'Donnell (Global Cebu FC)
Manny Ott (Ceres-Negros FC)
Mike Ott (Angthong United)
Javier Patino (Henan Jianye)
Iain Ramsay (Ceres-Negros FC)
Daisuke Sato (CSM Politechnica Iasi)
Camelo Tacusalme (JPV Marikina FC)
Dennis Villanueva (Global Cebu FC)
Nathanael Ace Villanueva (FC Meralco Manila)
Luke Woodland (Ceres-Negros FC)
James Younghusband (FC Meralco Manila)
Phil Younghusband (FC Meralco Manila)

Important to note that Thomas Dooley, in Bob Guerrero's preview, has ruled out Hikaru Minegeshi (shin infection) and Jeffrey Christiaens (knee) for the match versus Tajikistan and has since dropped them from the original call-up list from the China friendly. Also confirmed to be out for the match, but remained called-up, is James Younghusband (ankle). In encouraging news, both Misagh Bahadoran and Daisuke Sato have been deemed as "should be fine" and "good to go" after being unable to finish the friendly. Javier Patino missed the friendly but is expected to play.

To compensate for the injuries, Balot Doctora has since been called up to make the trip to Dushanbe. Ace Villanueva joined the Stallion Laguna FC captain in the trip to the Tajik capital. He had been originally called up for the China friendly, but did not make the trip to Guangzhou.

Azkals lineup for China and Tajikistan announced

The Philippine Football Federation on Tuesday formally announced that it has called up 23 men for national team duty and participate its upcoming football matches.

Under the leadership of Thomas Dooley, the team will be facing China in a friendly at Tianhe Stadium at Guangzhou on June 7, then head to Dushanbe to face Tajikistan in an Asian Cup Qualifier at the Pamir Stadium (officially known as the Central Republican Stadium) on June 13 at 11pm Manila time. Pamir Stadium is the same venue where the Philippine senior women's national team secured their AFC Women's Asian Cup Finals berth recently.

The 23-man roster is as follows:

Amani Aguinaldo (Global Cebu FC)
Fitch Arboleda (Stallion Laguna FC)
Misagh Bahadoran (Global Cebu FC)
Jeffrey Christiaens (Ceres-Negros FC)
Kenshiro Daniels (Kaya FC-Makati)
Dominic Liam del Rosario (Ilocos United FC)
Patrick Deyto (Global Cebu FC)
Kevin Ingreso (Ceres-Negros FC)
Hikaru Minegeshi (Global Cebu FC)
Junior Munoz (Ceres-Negros FC)
Nick O'Donnell (Global Cebu FC)
Manny Ott (Ceres-Negros FC)
Mike Ott (Angthong United)
Javier Patino (Henan Jianye FC)
Iain Ramsay (Ceres-Negros FC)
Daisuke Sato (CSM Politechnica Iasi)
Camelo Tacusalme (JPV Marikina FC)
Woody Ugarte (Kaya FC-Makati)
Dennis Villanueva (Global Cebu FC)
Nathanael Ace Villanueva (FC Meralco Manila)
Luke Woodland (Ceres-Negros FC)
James Younghusband (FC Meralco Manila)
Phil Younghusband (FC Meralco Manila)

Streaming coverage for these matches TBD.

Philippines vs Nepal AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Details

The Philippines is set to kick off its quest to nab its first AFC Asian Cup finals appearance against Nepal tonight at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Tonight marks the final night the Azkals are slated to have the Asian Cup Qualifiers at the hallowed facility, with the Philippine Football Federation having decided to have the other two home matches for the 2019 edition take place at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

The game is not televised locally, but the PFF has opted to conduct live streaming of the event. Philippine Daily Inquirer's Cedelf Tupas and Interaksyon's Ryan Fenix will be taking care of announcing and analyst duties for tonight.


The Azkals are 3-0 against the Gorkhalis in its recent history, owning two 3-0 victories in 2014 and a 4-0 win  2011.

Nepal will be fielding this lineup under the direction of Gyotoku Koji:

Bikesh Kuthu
Kiran Kumar Limbu
Bishal Shrestha
Rabin Shrestha
Biraj Maharjan
Ananta Tamang
Aditya Chaudhary
Kamal Shrestha
Ranjit Dhimal
Jitendra Karki
Rohit Chand
Bishal Rai
Heman Gurung
Bikram Lana
Anjan Bista
Sujal Shreshtha
Bimal Gharti Magar
Ranjan Bista
Bharat Khawas
Karna Limbu

As for the Azkals, Thomas Dooley has enlisted Anton Ugarte to replace Misagh Bahadoran and Kevin Ingreso. Both players are sidelined due to injury.

Philippines vs Malaysia FIFA friendly details

The Philippines is set to have its friendly against Malaysia tonight. There is no local television broadcast, but the Philippine Football Federation has a set up a streaming link, which we have embedded here on the site.



Here are the Azkals who were called up for this friendly.

Amani Aguinaldo (Global-Cebu)
Fitch Arboleda (Stallion)
Misagh Bahadoran (Global-Cebu)
Jeff Christiaens (Ceres-Negros)
Kenshiro Daniels (Kaya FC-Makati)
Carlie de Murga (Ceres-Negros)
Patrick Deyto (Global-Cebu)
Neil Etheridge (Walsall)
Kevin Ingreso (Ceres-Negros)
Hikaru Minegeshi (Global-Cebu)
Roland Mueller (Ceres-Negros) Withdrew from national team consideration, replaced by Nick O'Donnell (Global-Cebu)
Junior Munoz (Ceres-Negros)
Manny Ott (Ceres-Negros)
Mike Ott (Angthong United)
Javier Patino (Henan Jianye)
OJ Porteria (Ceres-Negros)
Iain Ramsay (Ceres-Negros)
Daisuke Sato (CS Iasi)
Martin Steuble (Ceres-Negros)
Dennis Villanueva (Global-Cebu)
Luke Woodland (Ceres-Negros)
James Younghusband (Meralco-Taguig)
Phil Younghusband (Meralco-Taguig)

Philippines schedules U22 friendly vs Malaysia

The Philippine Football Federation has scheduled a friendly for its Under-22 Men's Team against their Malaysian counterparts later today, December 8, 2016, at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

This is in conjunction with preparations for the upcoming 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur in August.

Kickoff is slated at 7pm, with free admission.

The Filipinos called up for the friendly are as follows:

Junell Mark Bautista (Benguet State University)
Marvin Jake Bricenio (UST)
Jeremiah Borlongan (UP)
Jaime Vicenzo Cheng (SD Raiders FC)
Marco Alessandro Casambre (UP / Global FC)
Julian Mariano Clarino (UP / Loyola Meralco Sparks FC)
Jimson Crestal (San Beda)
Rafael Clifford de Guzman (La Salle)
Darius Joseph Diamante (La Salle)
Daniel Bernan Gadia (UP / Loyola Meralco Sparks FC)
Javier Augustine Gayoso (Ateneo)
Lorenzo Giuseppe Genco (Kaya FC)
Yoshiharu Koizumi (La Salle)
Earl Real Laguerta (CSB)
Christian Lapas (UP)
Dimitri Lionel Limbo (Chesterfield FC)
Raphael Vincent Resuma (UP)
Richard Talaroc (Global FC)
Patrick Valenzuela (NU)
Nathanael Ace Villanueva (UP / Loyola Meralco Sparks FC)
Nico Villacin (La Salle)

The Coaching Staff for the U22 team is led by Marlon Maro, with assistance from Jose Maria Aberasturi, Marlon Pinero, and Noel Marcaida. Managing the team is the tandem of Jefferson Cheng and Miguelito Sanchez.

AFF Suzuki Cup Group Stage schedule for the Philippines

AFF Suzuki Cup Group Stage matches

It is that time of the year again, as regional pride is at stake with the upcoming 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup.

Tickets are still available via Ticketworld, and the Philippine Football Federation already outlining shuttle details to the arena:






No official announcement as of yet for local free tv broadcast for the AFF Suzuki Cup, but Fox Sports is slated to show the Azkals matches at 8pm on Fox Sports 1.