The Philippine Football Federation lauded the National Team for attaining what is considered the Philippines’ first Asia-wide football championship match in decades, after the team’s thrilling and hard-fought victory against Maldives in the semi-final match of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup 2014 Maldives held on May 28 at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives.
“We are in high spirits! That was one of the best football matches we’ve seen in years and we’re proud that our team eventually won the match. We congratulate the squad for playing with a brave heart and true grit- the way the Filipino athletes’ do when they play for the flag. We’re one match away from making history and joining the best teams in the continent in the Asian Cup in 2015. We join our countrymen in praying for the best in the finals,” said PFF President Nonong Araneta.
Impressed with the squad’s new form and strength, PFF likewise congratulated Head Coach Thomas Dooley, the rest of the coaching staff, and Team Manager Dan Palami for the team’s showing.
“We see a stronger and determined national squad in the AFC Challenge Cup 2014. We’ve seen how they played with so much heart and drive to win. Their performance inspires many of our countrymen, including the sporting Filipino youth. All of us do not doubt that the players will give their best in the finals.” said PFF General Secretary Edwin Gastanes.
The Philippines made it to the final rounds of the AFC Challenge Cup Finals 2014 Maldives after topping Group E in the qualifying stage matches held in Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila in March 2013.
In the final rounds in Maldives, the team advanced to the semi-finals by topping Group B with a clean sheet, after drawing Afghanistan 0-0, and winning against Laos and Turkmenistan, 2-0 respectively.
For the championship match on 30 May 2014, the Philippines will face dangerous Palestine which topped Group A and won over Afghanistan in their semi-final match. The winner advances to the Asian Cup 2015 Australia and play in the group stage against Japan, Jordan and Iraq.