Azkals Join 2012 Challenge Cup In Nepal

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals will be flying to Nepal in April next year for the 2012 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup tournament proper.

This is after Nepal won the bid to host the Challenge Cup. According to My Republica.com, the AFC has already advised All-Nepal Football Association (ANFA) to meet all the criteria for hosting the Asian event.

Nepal won the hosting rights over Maldives and Palestine.

The tournament is likely to take place at the Dasharath Stadium, the biggest stadium in Nepal.

Built in 1956, the 55-year-old stadium has a seating capacity of 5,000, but can hold up to 25,000 spectators.

Joining the Philippines and Nepal are finalists Palestine, India, Turkmenistan, Maldives, Tajikistan and defending champion North Korea.

The Philippine Azkals qualified for the Final 8 of the Challenge Cup by beating the Bangladesh Bengal Tigers last March.