Global, sans key players, duels Meralco

Opting to prioritize the national team’s preparations for the AFF Suzuki Cup, league champion Global will be without key players when it clashes with powerhouse Loyola Meralco in the semifinals of the UFL Cup today.

Global has 10 players who are part of the national side which faces Singapore in Cebu on Thursday in its last match before leaving for the Suzuki Cup in Bangkok starting Nov. 24.

But Global manager Dan Palami has decided to let all but two of his men to stay on with the Azkals in Cebu to prepare for the Singapore tiff.

Only midfielders Matthew Uy and Marvin Angeles could return for Global in the game set at 5 p.m. at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

“It goes beyond just winning for the club as we have a responsibility to the national team,” said Palami, who also manages the Azkals.

The other semifinal match pits Stallion and Green Archers United at 7:30 p.m.

While Global will miss Denis Wolf, Carli de Murga, Jeff Christiaens, Misagh Bahadoran, Demit Omphroy, Juani Guirado, Patrick Reichelt and Marwin Angeles, the Sparks will be close to full strength with Anto Gonzales and Phil and James Younghusband returning to Manila from the Azkals’ Cebu camp yesterday.