Azkals face Macau today

AFTER getting the needed boost, the PHL Azkals try to ride on the momentum when they face Macau today in the Philippine Peace Cup at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

After stamping a win against Guam behind a late goal from Patrick Rechelts, 1-0, the Azkals are looking at making it two in a row to put the team at the top of the standings.

Being the host country of the four-nation tournament, the Azkals are expected to perform well before the home crowd.

The team is now leading the ranking with three points.

They will face Macau, the lowest-ranked team of the tournament, which won only one of its last 15 games.

Macau could have had the game in their favor against Chinese Taipei yesterday had they not suffered from the penalty shot that sealed the game with a 2-2 draw.

Macau bowed 2-0 against the Azkals in their last meeting and the squad is looking to avenge that loss. It will be powered by veteran player Chan Kin Sang and Player of the Year Leong Ka Hang.

But the Azkals, despite missing the Younghusbands Phil and James, will rely on their local-based players, who, in the match against Guam, showed they can be trusted.

Denis Wolf and Ian Araneta will play strikers, Chieffy Caligdong, Anto Gonzales, Marwin Angeles and Misagh Bahadoran in the midfield, Demit Omphroy, Carli De Murga, Jason De Jong, Jeffrey Christiaens in defense, and Eduardo Sacapano as keeper.

An earlier match will feature Guam and Chinese Taipei; both teams will snatch its first win in the tournament.