The Philippine Azkals have a long road ahead of it in its quest to qualify for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
In a draw held at the said tournament’s hosts, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines was grouped with Nepal, Tajikistan and Yemen to comprise Group F of the third qualifying round.
On paper it seems like the Philippines have an easy group since they are ranked 122 in the latest FIFA World Rankings compared to Yemen’s 149, Nepal’s 175 and Tajikistan’s 132.
However, other factors such as travel time and fatigue may harm the Azkals’ chances as seen from its past 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
The qualification round shall follow a home and away format with the top two teams advancing to the tournament proper. There shall be six game dates for the Azkals in this phase of the competition.
All three countries have faced the Philippines in the past.
Back in 2012, goals from Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado gave the Philippines a 2-1 against Tajikistan. Fast forward to 2014, the Azkals clinched a 3-0 win versus Nepal via goals from Curt Dizon, Martin Steuble and Ruben Doctora.
Perhaps the trickiest team for the Philippines in Group F will be Yemen. The two nations were actually part of the same 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification group and both enjoyed one-goal away wins at the other’s expense.
First up for the Azkals shall be a home game against Nepal on March 28, 2017 with other details still to be announced.
If the Azkals do get through the group and qualify for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, then the ghosts of the disastrous 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup held on home soil would be vanquished and the sport shall be revitalized in the country.
