Azkals eye Cebuanos' support in friendly vs Tigers

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Football Association officially launched its hosting of the Face Off 2 pitting the Philippine Azkals and the Malaysia Tigers on April 27 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The launching of the highly-anticipated friendly match between the Azkals and Tigers happened yesterday during the halftime of the men's open titular battle between Leylam FC and UC BRO at the Aboitiz Sports Field.

It was graced by new Azkals head coach Thomas Dooley and team manager Dan Palami together with the CFA officials.

CFA president Ricky Dakay underscored the importance of this match as this would be the last tune up match for the national team before leaving for Maldives for their campaign in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup.

“We are very fortunate that the PFF has chosen Cebu as the venue for this very important friendly giving us a chance for an Azkals send off before the team goes to Maldives,” said Dakay.

The FIFA friendly will be Philippines and Malaysia’s fourth time facing each other.

This will be an exciting match as the first three previous meetings between the two teams have ended in a draw.

The Azkals and the Tigers figured in a scoreless draw during their previous encounter last March 1 at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“Cebu has not only been a good host but it is also a good venue for the Azkals,” said Palami.

During the first-ever friendly held in Cebu, the Azkals defeated the Singapore Lions, 1-0.

That match was also played 10 days before the Azkals started their campaign in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012.

“The Azkals consider Cebu their second home. It is not only a place that we can relax but it is also a place where we can get assistance in raising funds,” added Palami.

For his part said, Dooley said that they want to find the best place to get support and hopes that Cebu can gave it to the Azkals during their game against Malaysia. —(FREEMAN)