Amani Aguinaldo gets rare start for Azkals

Azkals. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MALE, Maldives—Around this time last year, Amani Aguinaldo was a stalwart of the Philippines Under-19 side in a couple of international tournaments.

Aguinaldo was just 18 then and as much as he was still trying to gain experience playing at the international level, he already had a huge responsibility as a central defender.

The team struggled to post victories, but Aguinaldo’s combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism was too hard to ignore that he earned a call-up to the senior side late in the year.

No stranger to taking on big roles even at his young age, Aguinaldo has been thrust in the limelight anew as the Azkals seek glory in the AFC Challenge Cup here.

With Juani Guirado expected to be out for the rest of the tournament due to an injury, Azkals coach Thomas Dooley is putting his faith on Aguinaldo, who turned 19 only last month.

The 5-foot-11 central defender from Davao is hardly daunted. “I’m just happy I’m getting my chance,” said Aguinaldo, who also plays for Global in the United Football League while he serves his residency at University of the Philippines following his transfer from Far Eastern U.

Aguinaldo was expected to start for the Azkals in the crucial match against Turkmenistan last night, where a draw would be enough for the Filipinos to reach the semifinals.

“It’s my first time to start for the national team and I want to give my best,” said Aguinaldo.

Aguinaldo admits he is far from the player he wants to be, but with experienced players like Rob Gier and Guirado guiding him, he feels he’s on the right track. “I’m getting a lot of confidence from them,” said Aguinaldo.