Reblog: 4 key Azkals may not play (in Mongolia)

Reblogged from 4 key Azkals may not play by Cedelf P. Tupas – Inquirer Sports

BAGUIO CITY—The prospect of playing the second leg of its AFC Challenge Cup qualifying match against Mongolia minus several key players isn’t putting a dent on the Philippine football team’s confidence.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, defender Rob Gier and midfielders Simon and Chris Greatwich may not be available for the Azkals in the second leg in Ulan Bator, but skipper Aly Borromeo expressed optimism that the squad will still be up to the challenge.

Azkals’ German coach Hans Michael Weiss: “The ones who are here will do the job. We just need to make a few adjustments, especially with the goalkeeper.”

If Etheridge cannot make it, 30-year-old Army keeper Eduard Sacapano would make a rare start for the Azkals.

If the Azkals hurdle Mongolia, they will advance to the group stage qualifying in Myanmar against the host country,Palestine and Bangladesh from March 20 to 31.

Borromeo stressed the importance of identifying a regular starting group for the Mongolia match as soon as possible.