Guangzhou: Philippines defender Amani Aguinaldo is targeting history by reaching the AFC Asian Cup for the first time as the Southeast Asian nation prepare for a friendly with China on Wednesday before resuming their UAE 2019 qualification campaign against Tajikistan in Dushanbe next Tuesday.
The Philippines sit on top of Group F after one game following a 4-1 victory over Nepal in March and, with the top two teams advancing to the continental competition in just under two years’ time, a second successive win would see them in a strong position after two matches.
Having never advanced to the tournament before, the Azkals are one of a number of sides hoping to benefit from an expanded format that will see Asia’s top 24 teams participate in the competition for the first time.
“We have quite a strong group and it wasn’t easy against Nepal but we scored four goals and did very well,” said the 22-year-old Global FC player, who will look to earn his 32nd cap for his country against China at Tianhe Stadium.
“I think our strongest opponents will be Tajikistan but we have played similar teams to them, like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan who play a European style of football, so winning against them would be a huge confidence boost.
“Every game will be really important for us if we want to create history and go to the AFC Asian Cup for the first time.”
Aguinaldo was part of the Philippines side that came within a game of reaching the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015, when the Azkals were runners-up in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup, previously the qualifying event for the continental tournament.
Having finished on top of their group, the Philippines went on to defeat Afghanistan 2-0 in the semi-finals before suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Palestine in the final as the Gulf state wrapped up the 16th and final qualification spot.
Philippines miss out on 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification after 1-0 defeat to Palestine in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup
“That was the first time that I started for the national team so when we reached the final I really, really wanted to win because it would have been a huge achievement for the Philippines and, of course, me as I had a lot to prove,” said Aguinaldo, who was just 19 at the time.
“Winning that final would have been a dream come true but, after crying so hard after the loss, I got back on my feet and tried to learn as much as I could from the veteran players.
“We hope to learn from our mistakes and not miss the chances we’re given so we can reach the Asian Cup; every loss is a great lesson for the players to get better and bounce back.”
Tajikistan, who lost their opening game of the qualifying campaign 2-1 against Yemen, are also aiming to reach their maiden AFC Asian Cup.
But, with Yemen favourites to defeat the group’s underdogs Nepal in the other Group F fixture next week, a second successive reversal could leave the Central Asians with an uphill battle to progress and the Philippines looking strong ahead of a double header with Yemen in September and October.
“It would be a great honour to represent the Philippines at that really high level in world football,” added Aguinaldo.
“This could be a big factor in increasing the popularity of football in the Philippines and helping us develop the game in our country in the next few years.”
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com