Veteran Misagh Bahadoran, the Philippines’ top scorer in 2018 World Cup qualifying, makes his return to the Azkals as he leads the national team that opens its campaign against Laos in the 2018 Bangabandhu Cup in Bangladesh.
Sidelined by injuries in the previous international window, Bahadoran will try to make a case for his inclusion to the AFF (Asean Football Federation) Suzuki Cup and AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Asian Cup teams being assembled by coach Scott Cooper.
Bahadoran will be joined by a slew of returning players like twins Marwin and Marvin Angeles, Kenshiro Daniels and Anton del Rosario.
Angel Guirado and Pika Minegishi were also recalled together with Amani Aguinaldo, Jerry Barbaso, Mike Casas, Ed Sacapano, Ace Villanueva.
Defender Julian Clarino, Jordan Jarvis, Alvin Sarmiento, Nathan Alquiros, Angelo Marasigan, Fitch Arboleda, Joven Bedic and Paolo Salenga were also called up, but the most intriguing prospect could turn out to be collegiate standout Jarvey Gayoso of Ateneo, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player.
“We’re using the tournament to give players a chance to prove themselves deserving of a spot in the next major tournaments,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami. “It’s important for us that we don’t miss out on any outstanding talent.”
The Bangabandhu Cup, also known as the Bangabandhu Gold Cup, is organized by the Bangladesh Football Federation as a tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father and first president.
Anto Gonzales will handle the squad in the six-country tournament, starting with the match against the hosts on Oct. 6. If they make the top two in their group, the Azkals move on to the semifinals on Oct. 9.