BACOLOD CITY - Phil Younghusband feels there’s no better occasion to mark his 100th appearance for the Philippines than the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup opener against Singapore at Panaad Stadium on Tuesday. 

One of three players remaining in the squad that made history for the Philippines in the 2010 tournament in Vietnam, Younghusband is relishing the experience of leading the team on the day he becomes the first Azkals centurion. 

“I think there’s no other match fitting to mark my 100th cap than a match against Singapore in the Suzuki Cup,” said Younghusband, who is also the Philippines’ top international scorer with 51 goals. 

"This tournament (AFF Suzuki Cup) means a lot because it’s the tournament that brought the Azkals to the attention of the Filipino people. It’s amazing for me, I’ve got a good connection with the Suzuki Cup and a good connection having played so many times against Singapore."

Younghusband made his first appearance for the Azkals also in the AFF Championship qualifiers in 2006 against Laos also at the Panaad Stadium. 

But it wasn’t until the 2010 Suzuki Cup in Hanoi when the Azkals finally made their presence felt in the tournament when they stunned then defending champion Vietnam, 2-0, en route to a first semifinal appearance. 

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and Phil’s older brother, James Younghusband, are the other remnants of that Azkals team, although Chris Greatwich, who scored the opener against Vietnam, is now part of the coaching staff. 

Younghusband said he’s proud to be part of the resurgence of Philippine football the past few years. 

"The first few years we would be lucky if we had one tournament,” he said. "We started a bit slow but as I’ve gone further in my career, the team has become better in quality. But it’s been up and down. I’ve enjoyed the experience but most of all I’ve enjoyed being part of the group and hopefully we’ll get to lift the trophy this year."