Global hosts Myanmar’s Yadanarbon Wednesday

GLOBAL hopes playing at home would also change its fortunes in the AFC Cup.

The reigning United Football League champion tries to keep its hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive against Yadanarbon of Myanmar Wednesday in the first match that will be played at the 20,000-seater Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Global is at the bottom of Group G, after picking up just a single point from its first three matches. The Filipino side opened the tournament with a 1-6 defeat to South China, but held Malaysia’s Pahang to a scoreless draw in Kuantan.

A 0-2 loss to Yadanarbon in Mandalay last month has left Global with no recourse but to grab maximum points in its remaining matches.

“It’s a must-win game for us and I hope the players are able to rise to the challenge,” said Global owner Dan Palami. “We’re happy to be the first Philippine team to play in the PSS, and of course, we want to make history by winning the match.”

Yadanarbon is in third in the group with its only win coming at the expense of Global, which will be boosted by the return of defender Amani Aguinaldo and skipper Misagh Bahadoran.

Aguinaldo served a suspension against Yadanarbon after picking up two yellow cards against Pahang, while Bahadoran is finally fit after a hamstring problem.