MANILA (10 Dec 2011) – The Philippines national team are looking at taking on either Malaysia or Vietnam in a friendly in February following the withdrawal of New Zealand.
Initially, the Philippines were hoping that they can play New Zealand as part of their preparation for the AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal but the Kiwis have turned it down citing prior engagement.
“We are just looking to play higher-ranked teams. Any higher-ranked team will actually do for us,” said Dan Palami, the team manager of the Philippines national team.
“We have slated a two-month build up for the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal with training camps in the Philippines and in the Gulf region.”
With the AFC Challenge Cup confirmed for 9-19 March 2012, the Philippines national team have this far confirmed a match against Spanish side CF Madrid on 21 January 2012 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
They have also lined up games in Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar between 6-15 February 2012.
