Azkals back on track as AFC releases new qualifying match schedule

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After a long break since the suspension of all sporting events last March, the Philippine Azkals will now be back on the field after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rescheduled their matches this October and November in the 2022 World Cup Qualifying and 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

With different parts of the PH still under the general community quarantine (GCQ) and the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), contact sports are still prohibited and will only be allowed once quarantine measures are relaxed or lifted.

Originally slated last March 26, The clash between the Azkals and Guam was moved to October 8 with still no final venue announced depending on the PH and Guam’s protocols regarding the sport.

After a showdown with the booters from Guam, the Azkals will only have one month to prepare against a tough Chinese squad on November 12.

Azkals head coach, Scott Cooper, said that since sports were shut down in the PH, he is consistently monitoring his players’ individual workouts to make sure that they stay in shape amid the pandemic.

Cooper added that while the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic is still not over, he is still encouraging his players to practice safety protocols and stay healthy.