Azkals step up Suzuki Cup bid vs Kyrgyzstan

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals clash with tough Kyrgyzstan tonight at Rizal Memorial as they take another big test ahead of their campaign in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.

“This will be our last game before the Suzuki Cup and we want to go into the Suzuki Cup with confidence,” said Phil Younghusband, skipper of the Phl XI side that’s in the final stretch of buildup for the Asean tilt the country is hosting beginning Nov. 19.

“It will be test for us playing against a strong team. We’ll know where we are (in terms of Suzuki Cup buildup) after this game so we’re looking forward to it,” he added.

The Kyrgyz and the Pinoy booters had faced off in a previous international friendly in Bishkek, with the Azkals stealing a 2-1 upset that time. So for the tonight’s 8 p.m. match, the Central Asian squad carries an extra motivation to return the favor.

“We look at this as a very important game that we want to win,” said coach Aleksandr Krestinin via an interpreter.

Coming off a pair of numbing 1-3 losses to Bahrain and North Korea at home last month, the Azkals are also eager to make up for it.

And coach Thomas Dooley said his wards are reporting for action fitter physically and mentally.

“I’m very pleased with training this week. We had some conversation after the last (training) camp and I could see that the players, they changed, they’re much more focused now. I’m very happy how the players showed up and I’m comfortable we’ll have a good game,” he said.

For Dooley, this particular assignment isn’t really a must win.

“Our focus is really the Suzuki Cup. And as we prepare for it, we needed challenge,” he said.

“Of course we want to win every game but you have to see how the game goes. Or we have a great game and we tie in the end or we have a great game and we lose in the end, that’s fine,” he said.