Peace Cup: PFF eyeing 2 African teams

BENT on giving the national side formidable opposition, the Philippine Football Federation is eyeing two more African teams to complete the cast in the four-nation Philippine Peace Cup in Bacolod City from Oct. 11 to 15.

PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes said they are close to finalizing the stint of Rwanda in the second edition of the tournament won by the Azkals last year.

Gastanes said they have also invited Uganda to play in the tournament with Afghanistan and Burundi also being eyed as possible opponents.

Only Chinese-Taipei has confirmed its participation and the PFF has set a Friday deadline to complete the cast for the tournament which is also meant to help the Azkals prepare for the AFC Challenge Cup next year.

Azkals manager Dan Palami said getting strong opposition from Africa will augur well for the Challenge Cup preparations.

“We’re looking at the African countries as quality opponents for our team,” said Palami.

Gastanes said the PFF was forced to look at  Azkals coach Michael Weiss initially broached the idea of having Rwanda as part of the roster of teams as he had served as technical director in the African country.

Meanwhile, the Azkals suffered a huge blow following news that defender Carlie de Murga tore his ACL in a United Football League pre season match with his club, Global.