DBasia.news – The participants of 2018 AFF Cup are preparing, one of them is Philippine. Indonesia national team’s rival in the Group B had their friendly match against Bahrain at Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, Thursday (6/9) night.
In that friendly match, Philippine national team coach Scott Cooper sent the England Premier League goalkeeper, Neil Etheridge. The Cardiff City FC goalkeeper could play because the friendly match was conducted in FIFA Match Day.
Meanwhile, Phil Younghusband was plotted as the key player. He was supported by Stephan Schrock, Daisuke Sato, and Mike Ott.
Philippine attacked in the first round but often stuck. While Bahrain’s attacks were easy to anticipate by Neil Etheridge.
Azkals scored their first goal after the referee pointed white spot following the foul to Phil Younghusband. The goal from the white spot was scored at 49′.
Bahrain tried to respond but just scored the goal during the additional time by Reza Isa. Philippine failed to win and the new coach has to be satisfied with the 1-1 draw score in the debut with Azkals.
The Philippine national team will continue their preparation in Bahrain before going home to Manila next week. Besides for the 2018 AFF Cup, the preparation is also for the 2019 Asian Cup.