These can be of the developing nations of the continent's football, but they are certainly not lacking in motivation that seek breakthrough on the international scene. Eight winners will advance to join aggregates 22 highest-ranked sides in the next phase.
And the next match-ups are full of intrigue, themselves. Pakistan Bangladesh will host in an all-South Asian, while Laos resume their rivalry with Cambodia. The enigmatic Timor-Leste enter only their second Asian zone qualifying campaign and in Western Asia Afghanistan , crossed swords with Palestine in their first meeting. FIFA.com stages.
The game
Sri Lanka-Philippines
The two sides will kick off with a record also head-to-head, having won one of their previous two matches apiece. Boosted by their recent qualification for the AFC Challenge Cup 2012, however Philippines , expect to go better this time around. Sri Lanka, for their part, will seek to capitalize on the advantage of home and earn a cushion to bring in the second leg.
Visitors arrive fully prepared in Colombo, after spending the last month in a training camp in Germany. In addition, the Azkals can count on their high-profile 12-man contingent based overseas, with Fulham's goalkeeper Neil Etheridge notable. "We are ready for the game," German coach Michael Weiss wrote on his Twitter account. "The team will play on Wednesday in good shape."
To counter the challenge, coach of hosts Jang Yang convened a series of Veterans to compliment the brave young emerging Reds '. Top of the list is Captain Ruwanthilake Rohana, who has sworn to give visitors a torrid time. "We are a team of talented," said the Defender Saunders SC. "Our main goal is to make the most of the first leg at home."
Other major attractions
Boosted by their successful milestone last December Championship AFF (ASEAN Football Federation), Malaysia are trying to translate their regional form against continental qualification when they welcome Chinese Taipei. The two sides are level stakes in head-to-head, having won four and drawn three each, but it was the visitors who emerged victorious in their last meeting, with a successful home 3-2 in qualifying for the 2000 AFC Asian Cup.
Not having never lost Pakistan against at home, Bangladesh hopes that they can build on the record with victory in Dahka. Their opponents, led by veteran goalkeeper Jaffar Khan and enhanced by an overseas-based Quartet, spare nothing to end their win-drought against neighbors. "It is important to win the first stage," said Pakistan the coach Tariq Lutfi. "Victory will be a morale-booster for us ahead of the return match."
Home support is, however, something that can be Afghanistan, counted who have to stage the first leg against Palestine on an insane pulverized in the town of Tursunzoda Tajikistan.
A triumph of openness should be taken of the Viet Nam when they entertain Macau to Ho Chi Minh City. However, taking center stage in the region, is the South-East Asia derby between Cambodia and Laos in Phnom Penh, with coach Lee Tae-Hoon not only a good result, but also a satisfactory performance in anticipation of hosts. "It is an important game but more important is how you play," he said.
Elsewhere, Timor-Leste must overcome not only in Nepal, but also the elevation of 1350 metres above sea level in Kathmandu. The same can be said of Burma, who should play at a height similar when they challenge the Mongolia.
Player to watch
Mohd Safee Mohd Sali hit five times to finish as Malaysia top scorer won the latest AFF. The 27-year-old forward now Chinese Taipei in his sights.
What they said
"I think the most important thing is that we have a new team and beat Macau by attacking relentlessly," Falko Goetz, coach of Viet Nam
Asian zone, first qualifying round, first leg fixtures:
29 June
Malaysia-Chinese Taipei
BangladeshPakistan-
Laos-Cambodia
Sri Lanka-Philippines
Afghanistan-Palestine
Viet Nam-Macau
Nepal-Timor-Leste
Mongolia Myanmar
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