Azkals kick off Suzuki Cup buildup vs Aussies

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals will kick off their preparations for the AFF Suzuki Cup with a friendly against Australian club Perth Glory FC on July 26 in Ilocos.

The match – the first for the Pinoy booters in Northern Luzon – will be played at the Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, the Philippine Football Federation announced yesterday.

“The PFF inspection team has visited the Quirino Stadium, which has a newly installed artificial pitch. Recommendations have been relayed to the stadium owner to ensure the facilities meet the standards for international matches,” the PFF said.

The Azkals-Perth Glory match will cap the A-League side’s training camp in the country. The Aussies will also play Global FC on July 20 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium and the UFL  All-Stars three days later also at Rizal.

“Perth Glory has scheduled training camp in the Philippines as part of its strategic initiative of touring Southeast Asia with the objective of staging official Hyundai A-League matches in the region,” said the PFF, which has sought Fifa and AFC clearances and permits to officially host the matches.