Source: GMANEWS
A new keeper will be manning the Philippine Azkals' goal when they play against Mongolia for the next leg of their pre-qualifying match in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup in Ulan Bator on March 15.
With star goalkeeper Neil Etheridge set to miss the Azkals' second game against Mongolia, the coaching staff has brought in backup keeper Edward Sacapaño to replace the 21-year-old goalie.
This was confirmed by the Azkals' coaching staff, as Etheridge has limited time to leave Fulham FC in the English Premier League if Philippines makes it to the group stages of the Challenge Cup.
Sacapaño said he is ready for the challenge, as Azkals coach Michael Weiss has been keeping an eye on his training.
"Coach Weiss has focused on my training as the team’s keeper. I've been following all of his instructions," said the 31-year-old Philippine Army veteran.
And Weiss is confident with their decision to bring in Sacapaño. "From the beginning, when I saw him here, I was impressed with his performance.
"He was already featured in several tune-up matches even before the Mongolia match. He did the job fantastically. And now with the game ahead, I have zero problems to bring him."
The Azkals spent their final morning in Baguio where they trained for the last time and focused on exercises to strengthen their back, neck and abdominal muscles.
The Azkals will end their Baguio trip with one more tune-up game on Saturday before heading back to Manila.
The team leaves for Fukushima, Japan on March 7 for their final acclimatization training before going to Ulan Bator, where weather conditions can reach minus 10 degrees. –
With star goalkeeper Neil Etheridge set to miss the Azkals' second game against Mongolia, the coaching staff has brought in backup keeper Edward Sacapaño to replace the 21-year-old goalie.
This was confirmed by the Azkals' coaching staff, as Etheridge has limited time to leave Fulham FC in the English Premier League if Philippines makes it to the group stages of the Challenge Cup.
Sacapaño said he is ready for the challenge, as Azkals coach Michael Weiss has been keeping an eye on his training.
"Coach Weiss has focused on my training as the team’s keeper. I've been following all of his instructions," said the 31-year-old Philippine Army veteran.
And Weiss is confident with their decision to bring in Sacapaño. "From the beginning, when I saw him here, I was impressed with his performance.
"He was already featured in several tune-up matches even before the Mongolia match. He did the job fantastically. And now with the game ahead, I have zero problems to bring him."
The Azkals spent their final morning in Baguio where they trained for the last time and focused on exercises to strengthen their back, neck and abdominal muscles.
The Azkals will end their Baguio trip with one more tune-up game on Saturday before heading back to Manila.
The team leaves for Fukushima, Japan on March 7 for their final acclimatization training before going to Ulan Bator, where weather conditions can reach minus 10 degrees. –
An askal is a Filipino term for any dog with no pedigree, no breed, no class. The askal is usually astray, unsupported and survives by feeding on whatever provision it can find. The Filipino national football team can relate to this mongrel, they have almost no support from a government thats suppose to support them, they are underdogs not just only to the world but even in their own region, South East Asia.
Name: Angel Guirado Aldeguer
Stephan Schröck - nicknamed "Schröcky", is a German–Filipino professional footballer who plays as a right back for 2nd Bundesliga club SpVgg Greuther Fürth.
