MANILA (4 March 2012) – The Philippines national team was right in their decision to make the trip to Nepal early for the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 which will be held on 8-19 March 2012.
The early arrival for the tournament which will feature DPR Korea, India and Tajikistan in Group B has allowed the Philippines to adjust to the prevailing conditions in the capital city of Kathmandu, situated some 1,400metres above sea level.
“We trained and the boys are looking sluggish due to altitude. I think we have made the right decision to come early,” said Michael Weiss, the chief coach of the Philippines.
“We will acclimatize to this weather and it will help us to show our actual performance.”
In the meantime, Weiss revealed that the Philippines Football Federation (PFF) are working hard to get their foreign-based players to join the squad in Nepal. He announced that goalkeeper, Niel Etheridge has been released by his Fulham club the meet in Nepal.
“I can confirm with you that he is coming to Nepal. He will arrive in Kathmandu on Tuesday,” added Weiss.
“Paul Moulders and Dennis Cagara can also come to Kathmandu and we are working on it to clear the paper from their respective clubs.”
The AFC Challenge Cup 2012 will be the fourth edition of the tournament with the winners qualifying for the main draw of the AFC Asian Cup 2015.
AFC CHALLENGE CUP 2012
GROUP A: Nepal, Turkmenistan, Maldives, Palestine
GROUP B: DPR Korea, India, Tajikistan, Philippines
