The Philippine Azkals needs to win on their last outings in the Group B elimination round of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup against Turkemnistan to clinch a semis slot in the tournament. A win against Turkmenistan is necessary after the 2012 runner-up Turkemnistan was defeated by Afghanistan 3-1 on their last encounter.
See Also: Azkals vs. Turkmenistan Live Coverage and Scores
The national football team of the Philippines is currently tied with Afghanistan in the first place of Group B standing with 4 points each. The Azkals got their complete three points when they defeated Laos on their second encounter in the AFC Challenge Cup.
Turkmenistan’s lost against Afghanistan was costly as they dropped to third place in team standing bu they have the edge against the Philippine Azkals in terms of goal difference if the Azkals match vs. Turkmenistan will end in a draw.
Because of the Philippines scoreless draw against Afghanistan, there will be a possibility that a tie will end up in the group stage standings. The goal difference will prevail in case of a tie, the Azkals needs to score more goals against Turkmenistan to secure a spot in the semis.
The goal difference means that “goal scored less goal scored against,” the more goal scored the high probability of winning the goal difference. In terms of goal difference, the Azkals has a goal difference of +2, same as Afghanistan, which is why they are currently tied atop Group B standings.
On Turkmenistan’s match against the Philippines tonight, they will miss the service of starting goalkeeper and team captain Nikita Gorbunov together with defender Serdar Annaorazov after they were sent off due to straight red cards and as a results they will served their suspension against the Azkals. Turkmenistan’s defender Shorat Soyunov was also suspended tonight after receiving his yellow card against Afghanistan.
The Philippine Azkals is also incomplete in tonight’s game with the absence of Neil Etheridge and Juani Guirado who suffered injuries. ABS-CBN Sports+Action will broadcast Philippines vs Turkmenistan live on Saturday at 7 PM.