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By: Bill Christian Pacatang

Yesterday, the Philippine Azkals left the country to go to Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) to participate in a minor Tournament called the 2011 Long Teng Cup. Although, this minor Tourney is just composed of 4 teams, this is still a big tourney for the Azkals as this will affect their FIFA World Ranking.

The Azkals have had been idle for 2 months after a devastating loss to Kuwait last July in the 2nd Round of the 2011 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. And this time, they are aiming for a successful campaign in the Long Teng Cup. If they will be able to win against the other participants in the Tourney, their FIBA ranking will surely improve.

The 2011 Long Teng Cup is composed of 4 teams: Philippines, Macau, the host-Chinese Taipei, and the defending champion, Hong Kong. The games will be held at Kaoshiung National Stadium, Kaoshiung, Taiwan. Below are the Azkals' schedule of games courtesy of Wikipedia.org and abs-cbnnews.com.

30 September 2011
16:30
Hong Kong v Philippines at Kaohsiung National Stadium, Kaohsiung

30 September 2011
19:00
Chinese Taipei v Macau at Kaohsiung National Stadium, Kaohsiung

2 October 2011
16:30
Hong Kong v Macau Kaohsiung National Stadium, Kaohsiung

2 October 2011
19:00
Chinese Taipei v Philippines at Kaohsiung National Stadium, Kaohsiung

4 October 2011
16:30
Philippines v Macau Kaohsiung National Stadium, Kaohsiung

4 October 2011
19:00
Chinese Taipei v Hong Kong Kaohsiung National Stadium, Kaohsiung

ABS-CBN Airing schedules:

2011 Long Teng Cup: Hong Kong vs. Philippines on Sept. 30, Fri at 9:30 p.m. on Studio 23 (replay- Oct. 1, Sat at 1 p.m. on BALLS)

‎2011 Long Teng Cup: Chinese Taipei vs. Philippines on Oct. 2, Sun at 5:30 p.m. (kick-off at 7 p.m.) on Studio 23 (replay-Oct. 3, Mon at 1030 am on BALLS)

‎2011 Long Teng Cup: Philippines vs. Macau on Oct. 4, Tues at 3 p.m. (kick-off at 4:30 p.m.) on Studio 23 (replay-Oct. 5, Wed at 1 pm on BALLS)

PH vs Singapore October 7, 9 p.m. ( Live on Studio 23)
Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore

PH vs Nepal October 11, 5:30 p.m. (Live on Studio 23)
Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, Manila, Philippines

If Azkals win this tournament, this would be their first championship title in the Long Teng Cup.

The Top Scorer last year for the Azkals in the 2010 Long Teng Cup, Ian Araneta, who notched 4 goals, will definitely help his team's campaign in this year's Long Teng Cup. He scored a hat-trick (3 Goals) last year, as they win over Macau, 5-0, and he was the reason why the Azkals tied the game against this year's host, Chinese Taipei in 93 Minutes.

For the FIFA World Rankings this yeat, both the Azkals and Chinese Taipei are tied in the rankings. They are both placed 165th overall, while Macau ranks 192. But this time Hong Kong should be considered as the dark horse because they will summon their Olympic Team in this year's Long Teng Cup.

After the Long Teng Cup 2011, the Azkals will have a 3-day rest and they they will go to Singapore on October 7 for a series of Friendly Matches.

After the Friendly Matches, the Azkals will play against Nepal. Nepal ranks higher than Azkals. They rank 135th overall, but the Azkals' heart will definitely be there to upset Nepal.