Live airing of Azkals' game on TV doubtful

As the Philippine Azkals prepare themselves for a game against Myanmar tomorrow for the AFC Challenge Cup, Filipino fans expecting to watch their game live on free TV is in doubt. Obviously, Myanmar has strict rules in airing live sporting events. Pretty sure, that is not good news for Azkals fans here in the country.

PHL Azkals advance to AFC Challenge Cup albeit loss to Mongolia

The Philippine Azkals had a big win against Mongolia in Bacolod last February. While the Azkals have the advantage in qualifying for the AFC Challenge Cup, playing at the Blue Wolves' home turf is big challenge altogether. For about a month, they trained up north to Baguio and Japan to prepare themselves for the cold weather in Mongolia. The earthquake that struck Japan almost hindered the Azkals to make their flight to Ulan Bator, Mongolia.

Inevitably, the Mongolians have the edge when it comes to playing in freezing temperature. The Azkals were without key players like Neil Etheridge, Rob Gier and Chris Greatwich. Another Azkals player Ray Jonnson almost didn't make it to the lineup as he flew in to Mongolia just in time. Despite it all, the Philippine Team were just as ready to take on the Blue Wolves.

PHL Azkals defeats Mongolia for AFC Challenge Cup Qualifier

The Philippine Azkals played their first home at the packed Panaad Stadium in Bacolod against the Blue Wolves from Mongolia to qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup. A few minutes prior to kick-off, Azkals' Coach Hans Michael Weiss announced his official team line up for the game. It pretty much kept everybody guessing about it though. Nonetheless, they are very much expected to win this all important qualifying match.

Azkals ready for battle against Mongolia tomorrow

With just hours before the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers kick-off at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, the Philippine Azkals look to be ready to clash with their Mongolian counterparts. Speaking of the Panaad Stadium, the venue got a little bit of a makeover days prior to the historical sports event. That goes to show that football has become a hot item since the Azkals made their triumphant run at the AFF Suzuki Cup last year.

PHL Azkals prepare for AFC Tournament on February

The Philippine Azkals during the tryouts.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

With their success in the recently concluded AFF Suzuki Cup last year, the Philippine Azkals prepare themselves for an even bigger challenge -- the AFC Challenge Cup. The team has already begun training for this Asia-wide soccer fest 2 weeks ago and I was lucky enough to witness the team's practice sessions at the University of Makati. The Azkals will be playing 2 home games in Panaad, Bacolod against Mongolia starting February 9.