Azkals cap AFC Cup buildup versus India

Match tonight (Kanchenjunga Stadium, India)

9 p.m. (Manila time) – India vs Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Azkals and South Asian power India were to play at Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri, India last night as they wrap up this phase of their overseas training for the 2014 Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup.

The Azkals take on the former Challenge Cup titlists Indians at 9 p.m. (Manila time), hoping to finish their camp on a bright note. The Pinoy booters earlier dropped a 0-4 defeat at the hands of a superior United Arab Emirates side over in Abu Dhabu last Saturday.

Fil-German Stephan Schrock has rejoined the team after missing the blowout against UAE and his presence is expected to energize the 137th-ranked Azkals against the No. 154 Blue Tigers.

Sunil Chhetri, India’s prolific scorer with 39 international goals to his name, banners the Blue Tigers as they aim to spoil the visitors.

This will be the fifth time for the Philippines and India to face off, with the Blue Tigers enjoying the edge. India won the first two encounters, 5-1 in the Merdeka Cup in 1971 and 2-0 in Pre-World Cup Qualifiers in 1996. The Filipinos battled the Indians to a 1-1 draw in the Challenge Cup in 2006 and finally notched a victory in the Challenge Cup last year, 2-0.

That breakthrough triumph boosted the campaign of the Azkals, who went on to reach the finals of the 2012 tourney and eventually won a bronze medal.

“We have had a look at videos involving the Philippines Team and it will be an interesting match,” India coach Wim Koevermans said in the All India Football Federation’s website.