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Malditas share Tajikistan experience as Azkals prepare for ACQ tussle

Having played there last April in their Women's Asian Cup qualifiers, the Malditas gave the Azkals a bit of info on Tajikistan.
By Kevin Estrada

MANILA -- For the Filipino football fanatics, one country that is familiar with them across Asia is Tajikistan, as they saw the Malditas qualified for Women's Asian Cup for the first time since 2003.

And before the male counterparts take the pitch against the Central Asians later tonight for a crucial Asian Cup Qualifier, Dugout Philippines caught up with some of the women who etched their names in the Filipina footballing milestone.
The Azkals will play in Tajikistan, two months after the Malditas created Pinay footballing history.
One of the assistants to Buda Bautista in the Malditas backroom, Jo Loren does not have a bit of info about the 137th-ranked side but she says that Thomas Dooley's men are capable to adjust to the Tajik climate just to get a result in Dushanbe's Pamir pitch.

“I think there is no need to climatize, definitely kaya nila weather doon,” Loren said, adding the fact that they played their final group game there in a sweltering heat, compared to the first four games where they play in chilly conditions.

For skipper Patrice Impelido, she is wary about Pamir's size compared to Rizal Memorial despite the fact that they are both artificial pitches.

“Field-wise, it was small. I think it will be hot come kick-off,” the Hiraya skipper quipped.

Follow him on Twitter: @KevinLEstrada