RP booters face Tajikistan in key match

The Philippines tries to put a lock on the top spot in Group B in the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers when it clashes with defending champion Tajikistan at the Iloilo Sports Complex Thursday.

Tajikistan, which defeated Sri Lanka for the title in the maiden edition of the tournament in Bangladesh two years ago, trounced Bhutan, 3-1, for its first win at the Barotac Nuevo Football Plaza Tuesday.

Chelsea reserve Phil Younghusband is expected to start together with Caligdong, midfielders Chris Greatwich and Robert Canedo and the defensive line of Aly Borromeo, Jason Cordova, Joebel Bermejo, Anton Del Rosario and keeper Neil Etheridge, who produced an outstanding display against the Bruneians, making two brilliant saves.

The event is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Milo, Del Monte, Magnolia, Gatorade, Smart, GNC and Mizuno, the national team’s official outfitter.