By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
MANILA residents will get to see after all the Philippine national men’s football team play in a key match in March as its scheduled AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers game against Tajikistan had been reset at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Initially set to be played at the Pana-ad Park and Football Stadium in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) confirmed early this week that it already received the confirmation for the change in venue from Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Cited as reason for the change was “difficulties in securing fully equipped training venues.”
“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,” said PFF President Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. in a statement.
“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,” he added.
The “Azkals,” as the Philippine men’s national team is collectively referred to, currently leads their grouping in the qualifiers with a record of two wins and three draws with nine points.
They just need, for good measure, to win in their final game against Tajikistan in March to formalize their entry into the Asian Cup.
Trailing the men’s team in the qualifiers are Tajikistan (2-1-2) and Yemen (1-4-0), which are tied at second spot with seven points apiece.
“We hope all football stakeholders and supporters rally behind the Men’s National Team,” said Mr. Araneta. Adding, “Qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 will be a historic moment in Philippine football.”
The PFF said ticket details for the match will soon be announced.
