Ott brother, Fil-Jap reinforce azkals

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Already boasting of attacking talent, the Philippine Azkals will have additional firepower when they vie in the AFF Suzuki Cup starting Nov. 19 at Philippine Sports Stadium.

Azkals manager Dan Palami confirmed that German fourth division campaigner Mike Ott and reigning United Football League MVP Pika Minegishi will be included in coach Thomas Dooley’s squad for the biennial tournament  in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The 21-year-old Ott, younger brother of Azkals midfielder, Manny, scored in his international debut in the their 1-3 loss to Bahrain last month.

Minegishi, a Filipino-Japanese winger, was one of the top scorers in the last UFL season with 18 goals, while leading Global to twin titles this year.

Palami remains optimistic striker Javier Patiño will also be released by Chinese side Henan Jianye for national team duty as the Chinese Super League season is already finished.