The Philippine Azkals wrapped up their brief two-game training in Bahrain in preparation for their second round Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers first leg against high-ranked Kuwait.
In the absence of key Fil-foreign players, the team tried different combinations against Bahrain’s under-23 Olympic team but likewise lost 1-3 for the second time at the packed Muharraq Club stadium in Arad, Bahrain.
The Azkals got on the scoreboard courtesy of Chieffy Caligdong, who knocked in a well-timed and well-placed header to the bottom corner of the goal at the 44th. Caligdong was also responsible for the team’s lone goal in their first meeting which the team also lost 1-2..
The Asian Football Confederation has yet to rule on the Filipinos’ renewed appeal to have co-skipper Aly Borromeo his and Stephan Schrock’s suspension rescinded.
The Azkals are set to tangle with Kuwait on Saturday night (early Sunday in Manila) for the first leg.
