Pumped-up Azkals battle Chinese XI

MANILA, Philippines — After defying expectations in their AFC Asian Cup debut outing against heavily-favored Korea Republic, fired-up Philippine Azkals are plotting a surprise for another higher-ranked opponent, China.

“We need to make sure China will be as surprised as South Korea when we play against them,” said Phl manager Dan Palami ahead of Friday’s all-important Group C matchup with the world No. 76 Dragons in Abu Dhabi.

The 116th-ranked Filipino booters proved their worth as they held the mighty Koreans for most of Monday’s kickoff game in Dubai before conceding a close 0-1 defeat. This emboldened the Azkals to aspire for something greater in the next game and gun for a reversal versus the Dragons, a side that actually dealt them an embarrasing 1-8 beatdown in a 2017 friendly in China.

“The game against Korea, who is always present in the World Cup, gives us that encouragement and motivation to do better in our next games,” said Palami, whose team needs to hurdle China and fellow debutant Kyrgyz Republic on Jan. 16 to bolster its bid for the knockout stages.

“At least for now, we have gained the respect of other countries and they’ve noticed that Phl is here not just to participate but to compete,” he added.

The Dragons struggled in their opening assignment, needing an own goal from Kyrgyz keeper Pavel Mathias and a late strike from Yu Dabao to escape with a come-from-behind 2-1 verdict over the White Falcons.

The game also left ace striker Wu Lei nursing a suspected collarbone injury, which reportedly makes him doubtful for the duel with the Azkals.