Global kicks off AFC Drive vs Singapore’s Tampines

Reigning United Football League champion Global steps into unchartered territory anew brimming with optimism as it opens its AFC Champions League qualifying bid against Singaporean side Tampines Rovers Tuesday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Global will have little room for error in the 8 p.m. clash with the survivor advancing to the second phase of qualifying against Brisbane Roar on Jan. 31.

“It’s a privilege for Global to be the first ever to represent the Philippines in the highest level of club tournament in Asia,” said Global CEO Dan Palami. “We were the first club to do so as well in the President’s Cup and the AFC Cup, and the only downside is that we have to take the full brunt of the birth pains associated with first timers.”

Preparations for the match have been far from ideal for Global, which will remain reliant on the duo of Pika Minegishi and Misagh Bahadoran as scoring threats. The two players combined for 33 goals in the league last season.

With the club still building its lineup after a long off-season, match fitness, sharpness and cohesion will be a cause of concern for Global which also has a new coach in Toshiaki Imai.

The Japanese served as coach of the Chinese Taipei national team from 2005 to 2007, before getting another one year stint that ended last October.

“I can’t say much detail about the club, but I know my players have good ability,” said Imai who arrived in Manila only last week.

Global will be reinforced by foreign players Shu Sasaki and Ahamd Azawi from Japan and Ivorian winger Serge Kaole. The club also signed Ronnie Aguisanda and Reynaldo Villareal from Green Archers to beef up the squad.