The Philippines opens its AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign on Tuesday night as the Azkals battle Cambodia at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh.
It will be the first competitive match in charge for Spanish coach Josep Ferre, who has brought in an interesting mix of veterans and newcomers for the biennial tournament.
Skipper Stephan Schrock will still be around to lead the squad that also includes veterans Mark Hartmann, Amani Aguinaldo and Kenshiro Daniels.
Among the newcomers in the team who are expected to figure prominently in the Azkals’ campaign are Arnel Amita and Audie Menzi, who both play for PFL side Kaya FC Iloilo.
“I think we have made a decision to build this squad around a group of young players with some more experienced ones as well,” said Ferre, who was appointed two weeks ago.
The Azkals finished third in their group in last year’s tournament in Singapore, missing out on the semifinals for only the second time in the last six editions of the tournament.
“I’m very excited but at the same time very focused,” said Ferre. “The first game in every tournament is always difficult.”
The Azkals warmed up for the AFF tournament with an almost monthlong camp in Manila, before playing Vietnam in a friendly in Hanoi last week, losing to the 2018 champions via a late goal.
“When the ball starts to run, anything can happen,” said Ferre. “We have to be focused on the game, and work on the things that put the game in a better condition for us. We have to perform and we have to do it. I trust these players and very confident that they can perform.”
Brothers Jeff and Paul Tabinas are also making their AFF Cup debuts in the tournament for the Azkals, joining an Azkals defense that will be anchored by Aguinaldo, who is now on his fifth AFF tournament.
Thailand and Brunei Darussalam clash in the other match in Group A. The Azkals travel back to Manila on Wednesday to play Brunei on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
