THE Philippine ‘Azkals’ will engage the Nepalese football team in a friendly match 7:00 p.m. tonight at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
The Philippines stands 166th while Nepal is 135th in the ranking of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
The Azkals posted two draws and one win in the recent Long Teng Cup in Taiwan.
“I’m very happy that we have the support of Filipinos wherever we play. But it’s still a different feeling when you’re playing in your hometown. We’ll just do our very best,” said Emilio ‘Chieffy’ Caligdong.
Nepal head coach, Englishman Graham Roberts, told reporters that after viewing their previous matches, he expects the ‘Azkals’ to play rugged. “We’re expecting a good match-up against the Filipinos,” he said.
Azkals German coach Hans Michael Weiss is expected to rely on the prowess of top players Phil and James Younghusband, Robert Gier, Paul Mulders, Angel Guirado, Ian Araneta and Caligdong among others.
Filipino-Danish Dennis Caraga meanwhile, expects a memorable game in Manila and hopes to contribute well to the team. “I’m very excited to play. I hope it would be memorable.”
