Tough to play Maldives as per experience: Philippines coach

Philippines national team football coach Carles Cuadrat has said that it is difficult to play against Maldives on the island nation's home turf. 

He said that their game against Maldives in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers is not their first time playing against Maldives.

He has played against Maldivian clubs when he was on the Bangalore, India AFC Coaching Team during the AFC Cup matches.

Cuadrat, who had begun coaching the Philippines team in March, said that he was aware of how difficult it is to play against Maldives at their stadium. He also said that the team playing against Maldives has experienced difficulties when playing during the evening. 

"I have come here in the past with some Indian Super League clubs. Getting a positive result at this stadium is not an easy task. It is difficult to play here, and so we have to prepare for any situation and do whatever it takes in order to secure three points before going back to the Philippines," said Cuadrat in a pre-match press conference.

He said that a training camp was conducted in Dubai in order for the team to acclimate to Maldivian weather. 

"The training camp held at Dubai helped prepare in getting used to the weather," said Cuadrat.

Philippines team defender Jefferson Tabinas said that their previous match against Maldives was also a difficult one.

The Philippines had played against Maldives at the island nation in November 2019 for the World Cup 2022 qualifiers. The Philippines won that match with a score of 2-1.

The match against the Philippines will be held at the national stadium and will begin at 3:30pm.