Azkals, Harimau Malaysia try to end draw streak

Both the Azkals and Harimau Malaysia are looking to end a five year streak of stalemates tomorrow.

By Kevin Estrada

MANILA -- Both Malaysia and the Philippines are trying to break the streak of draws against each other when they face off tomorrow evening.

That's what both sides have said when they meet the footballing press here at Century Park Hotel earlier in the morning.

For Brad Maloney, they will try to maximize their game, as it was their only match in the international window for March.

"We really want to be competitive, especially as it will be a factor in our team's FIFA rankings," the Australian said, adding that the hosts can be their gauge in facing North Korea in an Asian Cup qualifier which was later moved to June 8.

Safee Sali said that he does not mind the few players from Johor Darul Ta'zim in the current Harimau Malaysia squad , noting that playing for the country is much more important.

"There is no problem for us even if they [JDT players] are not there. I think that the national team is more important than the club," the talismanic PKNS striker said.

For Thomas Dooley and Phil Younghusband, it feels nice to be back in action for the Azkals since the Suzuki Cup last year, and they are also itching to end the streak of stalemates against the 2010 AFF titlists.

"The last time we won against Malaysia was way back in 1991. That's way too long," the American lamented, noting that this will serve as the preparation for next Tuesday's Asian Cup qualifier against Nepal.

And for skipper Phil Younghusband, he thinks that now is the right time to change the result against Harimau Malaysia.

"It's taken such a long time to get a result, you do thing now is the right time to change that," said the country's leading goalscorer who is just seven goals away for a milestone half-century.

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