By JONAS TERRADO

Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals jumped to 143rd in the latest rankings released yesterday by the world governing body FIFA.

Aided by their friendly matches against high-touted nations Bahrain and Kuwait, the Azkals jumped four places higher from 147th after compiling 184 points at the end of October.

It is considered as the country’s highest ranking ever and is now the second best country in Southeast Asia behind Vietnam, which improved from 140th to 138th.

Thailand, one of the hosts of the AFF Suzuki Cup group stage, fell to 146th after dropping seven places from 139th.

The Azkals’ improvement should satisfy team manager Dan Palami, who earlier expressed his desire to see the team become the highest-ranked in the region.

It should also give the National booters some inspiration heading into this month’s Suzuki Cup group stage where they are bracketed in Group A against, ironically, Thailand, Vietnam and late qualifier Myanmar.

The team opens its semis bid on Nov. 24 against Thailand before battling Vietnam and Myanmar on the 27th and 30th, respectively.

Last month, the Azkals forged a scoreless tie with Bahrain in Manama before dropping a 2-0 setback to Kuwait in Kuwait City.

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