THE Azkals will be playing the remaining matches of Group A of the joint Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifier in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a venue closer to their Qatar training camp.
Group A was transferred by the AFC from China to a neutral venue, the Sharjah Stadium in Sharjah, after some visiting squads had problems in their travel to China.
“These are indeed unprecedented times for everyone, and, on behalf of the AFC, I would like to thank the UAE FA for agreeing to host the Group A matches of the Asian Qualifiers,” said AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John in AFC’s official website.
“The UAE FA’s commitment to host the matches within such a short lead time is testament to their spirit of understanding and organizational excellence, and we are confident that they will provide the best possible environment for our teams and players. The AFC outlined its desire to ensure the safe and successful resumption of the Asian Qualifiers and we are determined to deliver on our plans, keeping in mind the highest health protocols, for the benefit of all our participating teams, players, fans and key stakeholders.”
The Philippines is scheduled to face China on June 7, followed by Guam on June 11, and then finally Maldives on June 15. The Philippines is currently in a tough spot and must win all its matches for a chance at advancing to the next round. The leader of each group and the four best second placers advance to the next round.
The Philippines is currently in third place of Group A with seven points, behind leader Syria with 15 points and second place China with 10 points.