Azkals tune-up against India cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Philippine Azkals will no longer hold a tune-up game against the national team of India in Doha, Qatar.

According to Goal.com, the practice match between the Philippines and India will be waived off after failing to secure a clearance from Qatar’s health ministry.

The Azkals are supposed to square off against India as part of their preparations in the upcoming joint qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Head coach Scott Cooper and the rest of the boys will continue to train despite the development and will seek an impressive outing against China.

The Azkals are set to face Guam, China, and Maldives in their bracket and is targeting to outlast the Chinese booters in order to advance to the next round.

However, another member will not make it to Qatar as Gerrit Holtmann wasn’t able to complete the required papers of eligibility to play under the PH Azkals.

“The coaching staff has already been implementing their philosophy and you can see that the players are out to prove themselves on the field. I’m looking forward to see them grow in the next few days,” said team captain Stephan Schrock.