Palace welcomes Azkals’ victory

While no grand welcome for the Philippine Azkals has been organized by the government yet, the Palace invited the football team following their victory against Bangladesh in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifying match Friday.

“Tayo po ang buong bansang Pilipino ay nakikiisa sa panalong ito ng mga Azkals. Hindi po natin alam kung kelan sila parating at kung meron ng nahandang welcoming sa Guest House pero they are more welcome to visit the Guest House,” Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Saturday over government-run dzRB radio.

The Azkals destroyed Bangladesh with a 3-0 win from Ian Araneta and Filipino-Spanish player Angel Guirado. Guirado replaced Phil Younghusband who suffered an injury in the team’s previous game against Myanmar.

The Azkals and Palestine are the top two teams in Group A of the challenge cup, earning them a spot in the eight-team finals.

By Kathrina Alvarez