IN a rematch between the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup finalists, the Philippines battles Palestine today for a spot in next year’s Asian Cup at the Mongolian Football Federation Center pitch in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
The Azkals and the Lions of Canaan, Palestine’s moniker, clash for Group B leadership at noon to close the third round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifying phase, with the winner topping the group and booking a ticket to the continental soccer showcase in 2023.
The charges of coach Thomas Dooley are in second place with four points, thanks to the heroics of Fil-German striker Gerrit Holman, who debuted for the Azkals with last-gasp goal in the 93rd minute last Saturday for a pulsating 1-0 win over host Mongolia.
The Palestinians lead the group with six points after their 5-0 rout of Yemen also three days ago but should be wary of the Filipino booters, who are seeking to make a return trip to the Asian Cup. Dooley steered the team to its maiden appearance in the 2019 Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
