Azkals mentor asserts AFC Cup preparations on track

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine Azkals coach Michael Weiss believes preparations for the AFC Challenge Cup are on track following what he described as a successful camp in the Middle East.
“It’s mission more than accomplished,” Weiss said Sunday a day after the Azkals returned from Dubai.
The Azkals won one match against Qatar club Al Ahli and lost two to Australia’s Under-23 Olympic side as well as Uzbekistan in the camp.
“The camp was very, very good,” the German mentor said. “We put the base to a very successful campaign in Katmandu.”
Weiss revealed that their Challenge Cup foes India and Tajikistan have also stepped up their preparations.
India will play Oman and Azerbaijian in exhibition matches in Dubai late this month, while Tajikistan is slated to undergo training camp in Turkey.
For team manager Dan Palami, getting the best available side for the Challenge Cup remains the biggest challenge.
Palami noted that the arrival of Ray Jonsson in the last two matches greatly improved the Philippine side.
“When Ray arrived, everyone got to play in the right positions,” Palami said.
“I know if all the players we want are able to come for the Challenge Cup, the chances of a good result is multiplied,” Palami said. “I hope as we prepare for the ACC, the core of the team that trained in Gulf region improved.”


inquirer