In February of 2011, the Philippine National Football team started their quest to conquer the 2012 Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup. What was once glorious dreams of making it to the actual tournament held this year in Nepal were met with demanding tasks.
Tackling Mongolia was first on the agenda to a long uphill climb.
After the two game victory by aggregate, the team found themselves in a tough qualifying group alongside Palestine, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Following a second place finish in the group qualifying stages, the team was in a spot in the AFC tournament.
With five matches invested in the goal for gold and a ticket to Nepal, the chance to fight for a slot on the podium was one step closer but yet so far.
The big challenge was finally met in Nepal, when the team was placed in what was coined the “group of death” left to battle it out with Tajikistan, India and defending AFC Challenge Cup champions, North Korea.
This long road prior to us landing in Nepal was a very difficult task for a developing team looking to make a name for the country in the world’s sport. (www.rappler.com)
Tackling Mongolia was first on the agenda to a long uphill climb.
After the two game victory by aggregate, the team found themselves in a tough qualifying group alongside Palestine, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Following a second place finish in the group qualifying stages, the team was in a spot in the AFC tournament.
With five matches invested in the goal for gold and a ticket to Nepal, the chance to fight for a slot on the podium was one step closer but yet so far.
The big challenge was finally met in Nepal, when the team was placed in what was coined the “group of death” left to battle it out with Tajikistan, India and defending AFC Challenge Cup champions, North Korea.
This long road prior to us landing in Nepal was a very difficult task for a developing team looking to make a name for the country in the world’s sport. (www.rappler.com)