For the second time, the Philippines’ Azkals went down against Bahrain’s Under-23 Olympic squad, 1-3, but the loss gave the team the experience they need as they prepare for Saturday’s first leg against Kuwait in the second round of the 2014 World Cup Qualifier at the Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium, Hawalli in Kuwait.

Once again, Ilonggo Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong played hero for the Azkals as he headed home a cross from Manuel Ott a minute before halftime.

With thousands of the Filipino community in Bahrain once again turning up to see the Azkals play, the national team engaged their hosts to a highly physical game that saw three yellow cards issued for both sides.

A header off a corner kick from substitute player Ahmed Juma’a in the 36th minute gave Bahrain its first goal while Hisham Mansoon made it 2-0 in the 41st minute from the right edge of the box, accounts of the game posted on Gulf Daily News’ website said.

For the second time, Bago City’s son Eduard Sacapano was tapped to play the role of goalkeeper as Neil Etheridge failed to join the Azkals in Bahrain due to commitments with Fulham, the British club where he plays.

Sacapano was kept busy by the unceasing attack launched by Bahrain with Sayed Dhiya Saeed completing the victory during the four-minute injury time.

Even with the back-to-back loss to their hosts in the friendly matches, Azkals team manager Dan Palami told the GDN that their trip to Bahrain was one of the better organized camps the Azkals had.

With several key players who will be playing against Kuwait this Saturday missing the friendlies, Palami said they tried different combinations and played well against Bahrain’s Olympic team.

Meanwhile, coach Michael Weiss said in an interview with the FIFA.com that the Philippine national team faces a tall order when it battles Kuwait.

But with solid preparation, good performance and perhaps an extra ounce of luck, he said it is possible for the Azkals to turn things around against Kuwait, an Asian soccer power.

The Kuwaitis made it once to the World Cup main tournament in 1982 in Spain but failed to go beyond the first round. They are currently ranked No. 102 in the latest FIFA world ratings while the Philippines ranked No. 159.

After the match in Kuwait this Saturday, the Azkals head home for the second leg of the qualifier at the Rizal Memorial Sports Stadium on July 28.*NAB

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