Veteran defender backstops young Azkals

Defender Amani Aguinaldo has been selected as the second player over the age limit who will reinforce the Philippine Under-22 side that will shoot to land the country’s first medal in the Southeast Asian Games men’s football competition kicking off on Monday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The 24-year-old Aguinaldo, who was on loan to Malaysian top-flight club PKNP from Ceres-Negros, already has 38 caps for the senior team with his most recent appearance coming on Oct. 15 in the goal-less draw against China in Bacolod City.

“It was important for us to have a solid defensive presence, that’s why the coaching staff decided to pick Amani as our second overaged player,” Azkals manager Dan Palami said. “With his experience, he can also lead and guide this young team, especially those playing in defense.”

Azkals skipper Stephan Schrock, who has played all five matches in World Cup Qualifying this year, will lead the 20-man squad for the SEA Games that will include two-time UAAP MVP Jarvey Gayoso of Ateneo. Completing the squad of coach Goran Milojevic are goalkeepers Anthony Pinthus and Michael Asong, defenders Justin Baas, Elias Suerti, Mar Diano, Marco Casambre and Jordan Jarvis, midfielders Griffin McDaniel, Christian Rontini, Yrik Gallantes, Dylan De Bruycker, Pocholo Bugas, Dennis Chung, Troy Limbo and strikers Chima Uzoka and Mariano Suba.