Gerrit Holtmann could make his long-awaited debut for the Philippines Azkals on Saturday June 11, as they aim for three all-important points against hosts Mongolia on Saturday June 11 in the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers. AFC at the MFF Football Center in Ulaanbaatar.

The German Bundesliga stalwart has joined the team ahead of the 12:30 p.m. Filipino game which the Azkals need to win in order to increase their chances of reaching the Azkals Cup for the second time in a row.

Coach Thomas Dooley opted to tinker with expectations as the VfL Bochum star only arrived in the Mongolian capital two days earlier.

“Just the excitement that he wants to be with us is unbelievable,” Dooley said. “But expecting us to win games because he’s there is too much. Let’s be realistic.”

The Azkals are coming off a goalless draw last Wednesday against Yemen with plenty of chances.

Mongolia lost 1-0 to Palestine later in the day after conceding a penalty just minutes into added time.

Palestine leads Group B with three points, followed by the Philippines and Yemen at one point each while Mongolia are bottom of day two.

The best team earns a place for the Asian Cup while the second can qualify if they are in the top five of the six groups.