The Philippine men's football team is back in action.
The Philippine men's national football team is welcoming Nepal on Thursday night for a friendly match, and some members of the squad, particularly the young ones, are looking forward to the experience.
Forward Jarvey Gayoso, through a mic'd up video for the Philippine Football Federation on Wednesday, caught up with these kids. One of them is 20-year-old Jax Peña, who is up to the challenge.
"Keep dreaming, keep working hard. [With] just a few of the guys I know that can also do it, I look forward to it," Peña said.
Gayoso also spoke with fellow Kaya FC-Iloilo member Marco Casambre regarding the call-up.
"It's great to meet new faces, and also my kuyas back here in the national team. It's an honor to be here," the defender added.
Neil Etheridge bannered the squad list for the friendly matches at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Former team captain Stephan Schrock, retired from international play, was also seen training with the squad as an assistant coach.
Returning Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss vows the team will be more offense-oriented this time around. The Azkals fell short of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and will try to get back on track with the next slate of competitions.
"We'll be hungry, we'll be happy to represent the country. And we will be trying to play positive, offensive-oriented football," Weiss said in a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
World number 136 Philippines will be taking on world number 174 Nepal tonight at 7:00 p.m. The match will be aired live on One Sports and One Sports+.
(GM)