SEAG debacle will make Azkals better, stronger

JAKARTA – For Philippine football team manager Dan Palami, the 2011 SEA Games experience will serve as a lesson that will make the team better in the future.

Palami said the team will come out strong from the debacle even as he expressed hopes the country will be a medal contender in the next biennial meet.

The Phl Under-23 Azkals try to end their failed campaign here on a winning note as they take on winless Brunei Darussalam at 6 (7 p.m. Manila time) tonight at Stadion Lebak Bulus.

“This is a lesson learned for the players, the management and the federation. We must act on this,” said Palami.

“We’re the youngest football nation in this tournament. We’ll keep the team and make it ready for 2013,” added Palami.

The core of the current team will still be eligible for the 2013 Games (open only to 23 and under) since most are below 20.

“Our defensive lapses emphasize how young the team is,” said Palami.

The amiable football benefactor insisted, though, that they will move on.

“This is a promise I’m making the same I did with the original Azkals team. We’ll learn from this, we’ll act on this, buhusan natin ng resources ito (let’s put resources in this team),” he said.

The Phl XI bowed out of contention for the medal round here after a 0-5 loss to Myanmar Sunday.

The Junior Azkals will finish fourth in Group B with a 2-0-3 win-draw-loss card with a victory over Brunei.