MANILA—Mongolia will be facing a more cohesive and confident Philippine side in the second leg of their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series on March 15 in Ulan Bator.

Striker Phil Younghusband guaranteed this yesterday even as he said that the pressure of playing at home may have played a part in the Philippines not scoring more goals in their 2-nil win over the Mongolians at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City last month.

“It’s the same team, same players, but the difference now is that we’re more confident,” Younghusband told the Inquirer just before the team left for Japan, where they will undergo a one-week camp in wintry conditions closely similar to Ulan Bator.

“We’re fairly confident because we know what to expect from Mongolia,” he added.

A snow shower greeted the Azkals on their arrival in Narita last night.

Prevailing temperatures in Gotemba, at the foot of Mount Fuji, where the Azkals will train until March 12, ranges from minus 3 to 1 degree Celsius.

Coach Hans Michael Weiss said the conditions augur well for their buildup.

“I have information that it is snowing [in Gotemba] and this will be the condition we are looking for,” Weiss said.

He said acclimatizing in Japan will greatly help the preparations of the players, especially the homegrown Filipinos.

Skipper Aly Borromeo is relishing the chance to train in a world-class facility in Japan: “I heard they have world-class facilities and we look forward to playing games against very good teams.”

Also making the trip to Japan were Chieffy Caligdong, James Younghusband, Anton del Rosario, Ian Araneta, Yanti Barsales, Joebel Bermejo, Reymark Palmes, Mark Ferrer, Peter Jaugan, Chris Camcam, Jerry Barbaso and Kim Relucio.

Simon Greatwich and Jason Sabio will join the team in Japan, while Ray Jonsson and Jason de Jong are expected to link up with the squad in Ulan Bator.

Cedelf Tupas, Phil. Daily Inquirer