Azkals invade Indian turf in Nehru Cup

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippina Azkals is set to compete in the five-nation Nehru Cup in India next month, adding the event to their roster of activities in their buildup for the AFF Suzuki Cup.

“The organizers have informed us, through Fifa’s Domeka Garamendi, that they want the Phl to join the meet. We told them to send us a formal invite and we’ll accept it,” PFF president Nonong Araneta told The STAR.

The Azkals will pit skills with Jordan, Kenya, Syria and host India in the bootfest set late August to early September, according to Araneta.

The India tourney will be inserted into the heavy slate of the Azkals prior to their Suzuki quest in November.  

Phl XI will hold a training camp in the US, highlighted by friendlies with MLS clubs. Also up are camps in the Middle East and Japan, and the Long Teng Cup in Bacolod.

Araneta is currently in Bangkok for today’s official draw for Suzuki.

“We hope to get luck of the draw,” said Araneta.

PFF marketing and communications head Ebong Joson also said they hope to get a favorable draw in the Suzuki Cup in yesterday’s PSA forum at the Shakey’s UN Ave. in Manila.

By virtue of their surprise semifinal finish in the tournament two years ago, triggering a local soccer revival that sees no sign of ebbing, the Filipino booters are seeded sixth in the tournament and will no longer have to go through a qualifying tournament.

Aside from the Philippines, outright group stage squads are defending champion Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand.

Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei and Timor Leste will have a qualifying competition from Oct. 5 to 13 in Myanmar for the two remaining slots in the eight-team group stage.

Joson explained in the same session presented by Smart, Pagcor and Shakey’s, that the draw will have hosts Thailand and Malaysia in one pot, Indonesia and Vietnam in the second pot and Singapore and the Philippines in the third pot, while the fourth pot is for the two qualifiers.

“From these pots will be drawn the members of each group, although we won’t know till later where the Azkals will be playing,” said Joson.

He added that knowing the country’s opposition early is also vital to the Azkals’ build-up to the Suzuki Cup.