Ceres taps 2 Azkals for AFC President’s Cup drive

MANILA, Philippines — Bracing for a tough campaign, reigning national club champion Ceres-La Salle bolstered its squad with the acquisition of two Philippine Azkals for the AFC President’s Cup from May 6 to 10 in Bacolod City.

The Bacolod-based side has tapped veteran defender Juani Guirado and ace goalkeeper Eduard Sacapano for the Group B hostilities at Panaad Stadium.

The two international veterans join former and current Azkals in the team, including Patrick Reichelt and Carli de Murga, who returned from a knee injury recently.

Defender Jason Sabio, who played a key role in the Azkals’ 2012 AFC Challenge Cup campaign, also signed a deal to play for Ceres together with Joshua Beloya and twins Marwin and Marvin Angeles who used to play for Global.

‘Strongest team possible’

“We take pride in representing the country, that’s why we’re forming the strongest team possible,” said Ceres owner Leorey Yanson.

Ceres is looking to become the first Philippine side to advance to the final round of the tournament.

But the Filipinos would have to hurdle North Korea’s Rimyongsu, Taiwan’s Tatung and Turkmenistan’s HTTU Agsabat in what is considered as the toughest group of the tournament.

Former Azkal Jason Cordova, Jason Panhay, Camelo Tacusalme, Jalsor Soriano, Arnie Pasinabo, Angelo Marasigan, J. Baguioro, Tom Booth, Michael Casas, Prince Anthony, William Guerridon and Lemuel Unabia are also in Ceres’ President’s Cup squad.

With only two foreigners allowed to play, Ceres coach Ali Go could tap South Koreans Kim Jin-ho and Kim Sang-min as the team’s reinforcements.