Azkals to return to Panaad

MANILA, Philippines - After a more than a year of absence, the Philippine Azkals will return to its home at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod to take on the 194th ranked Guam on June 12.

The last time the Azkals played in Panaad, they trounced Mongolia, 2-0, in the first leg of the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers.

National team captain Chieffy Caligdong scored an incredible goal against Blue Wolves’ goalkeeper Tseveensuren Ganbayar. Late in the match, Phil Younghusband scored the other goal as the Azkals advanced to the next round.

Mongolia defended its turf at Ulan Bataar with a 2-1 victory but the Azkals advanced on 

aggregate, 3-2, culminating in an unprecedented third place finish in the tournament ender in Nepal last month.

Guam, despite its low ranking, promises to be a tough opponent for the Azkals with the team now coached by Englishman Gary White, a UEFA ‘A’ licensed professional coach who serves on the US soccer’s national coaching staff. White played professionally in Australia Freemantle City and Bognor Regis.

Ticket prices for the Guam versus Philippines match will be announced in the next few days.