De Murga, Rota: unsung Azkals heroes

Philippines skipper Phil Younghusband took the spotlight with goal No. 50 while Kevin Ingreso will go down in Philippine football history as the scorer of one of its most important goals, but defenders Carlie de Murga and Simone Rota will symbolize the resolve and the resilience of the Azkals in their successful qualification bid to the AFC Asian Cup.

Battling injuries the past three years, De Murga and Rota returned to shore up the Azkals’ defense in their most important match yet, helping the Nationals pull off a 2-1 win over Tajikistan on Thursday to clinch top spot in Group F and secure qualification to the Asian Cup 2019 at the United Arab Emirates in January.

Rota’s journey from an orphan who was adopted by Italian parents 32 years ago to his attempt to finding his family is well-documented, along with his civic work at Buklod Kalinga, an orphanage run by Franciscan sisters in Parañaque. But Rota, who turns 34 in November, also had to rise above adversity after sustaining an ACL injury in the latter part of the 2016 season.

De Murga busted his knee twice and looked like ready to quit the sport altogether two years ago.

But the Ceres-Negros captain worked his way back into shape and played a key role in the Busmen’s run to the AFC Cup Asean zone crown.

“We were ready to put him in the coaching staff of the club, but Carlie (De Murga) did not give up,” said a Ceres official.