Two Azkals skip semis

MANILA, Philippines — Semis-bound Philippine Azkals will have to carry on with their mission in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup without their Europe-based reinforcements.

After wrapping up the four-game group stage, Fil-German midfielder John-Patrick Strauss and Fil-Japanese defender Daisuke Sato packed their bags to rejoin their respective clubs, Bundesliga 2 outfit FC Erzgebirge Aue and Romanian Liga 1 club Sepsi OSK.

The duo will yield their spots in the starting XI to stalwarts based in the Philippines and those playing in Southeast Asian leagues as the Azkals face off with Vietnam in the two-legged semis on Dec. 2 in Bacolod and Dec. 6 in Hanoi.

“Unfortunately I’m not playing. I’m flying back to Germany,” Strauss said. “I’m happy to achieve this (semis qualification) together with the team and of course we are looking for gold. But at the same time, I’m sad to say my time with the national team is over for Suzuki Cup 2018,” said Sato. “This was the tournament I always wanted to play since I missed 2016 so I’m thankful to my club for the opportunity to play for four games (with the Azkals).”

The two followed the departure of Cardiff City keeper Neil Etheridge, who was with the nationals during the two group games covered by the Fifa international window and even manned the fort in their 1-0 opening win over Singapore, and Stephan Palla, who was in harness for the first three matches before being recalled by his Thai club Buriram United for their pre-season camp.