Josep Ferre’s debut as the new coach of the Philippine Azkals did not go to plan.
The 39-year-old Barcelona native witnessed the Azkals suffer a 1-0 loss to Vietnam, Wednesday, at the Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi.
The Azkals were able to hold the Vietnamese for most of the game, only to concede a 90+2 minute goal by Nguyễn Văn Quyết.
The 31-year-old forward eluded two Azkals defenders and then performed a fine finish to win the game for the home side.
Ferre’s first-ever starting 11 saw Stephan Schrock named as captain leading the likes of Kevin Ray Hansen, Simen Lyngbo, Jhan Jhan Melliza, Arnel Amita, Kenshiro Daniels, Yrick Gallantes, Amani Aguinaldo, Pika Minegishi, Mark Hartmann, and Audie Menzi.
This game was the Azkals’ sole tuneup before they begin their 2022 Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign next week.
The Philippines will take on Cambodia next Tuesday in Phnom Penh. They will then take on Brunei Darussalam next Friday at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
