“In my head, we made it”: Daisuke Sato backs Azkals for Asian Cup return

The Philippine men’s national football team is on the brink of history as it eyes a return to the AFC Asian Cup for only the second time, with a final qualification match against Tajikistan scheduled for March 31.

The high-stakes encounter will determine the Group A winner, with both the Philippines and Tajikistan currently level at the top of the standings on 13 points. Each side has recorded four wins and one draw in an evenly contested campaign, setting up a winner-takes-all showdown with a coveted spot in the continental tournament—set to be held in Dubai next year—on the line.

For the Philippines, qualification would mark a significant achievement and a return to Asia’s premier football competition for the first time since their historic debut in 2019. That campaign was widely regarded as a breakthrough moment for Filipino football, and the current squad is eager to build on that milestone and re-establish its presence among the continent’s elite.

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Veteran defender Daisuke Sato, one of the team’s most experienced leaders, expressed strong belief in the squad’s chances. Speaking in a recent media interaction, Sato revealed that he is already envisioning the Philippines back on the Asian Cup stage.

“Being back in the Asian Cup, this is what I am picturing now. All that matters now is to make it to the Asian Cup. In my head, I have already seen that we made it,” Sato said.

#WATCH: I’M GOING TO BRING BACK TO THE ASIAN CUP

After three years, Daisuke Sato is back with the PMNFT and is ready to bring the country to the #AsianCup ⚽

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— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 18, 2026

“Whether I play or not doesn’t matter. Our goal is to make it to the Asia Cup. As a senior player, I want to contribute whatever I can on and off the pitch,” he added.

Sato’s comments reflect the collective mindset within the squad—a mix of confidence, focus, and determination heading into what is arguably their most important match in recent years. His leadership, both on and off the pitch, is expected to play a crucial role as the team prepares for the decisive clash.

Head coach Carles Cuadrat has already named his 23-man squad for the fixture, blending seasoned internationals with emerging talent. Leading the lineup is Filipino-German striker Gerrit Holtmann, whose pace and attacking threat are expected to be key against a disciplined Tajikistan defense. Adding further intrigue is the inclusion of Filipino-German midfielder Raphael Obermair, who is in line to make his national team debut and could provide an added dimension in midfield.

The upcoming match is anticipated to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams aware of the stakes and the fine margins that could decide qualification. Tajikistan, enjoying a strong run of form, will present a formidable challenge, particularly with home advantage and a well-organized squad.

For the Philippines, however, the opportunity to return to the AFC Asian Cup represents more than just qualification—it is a chance to reaffirm its growth in international football and inspire a new generation of players and fans back home.

With everything to play for, March 31 promises to be a defining moment for Philippine football, as the national team looks to turn belief into reality and secure its place once again on Asia’s biggest stage.

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