Kathmandu: Eduardo Sacapano is relishing the chance to represent the Philippines in the final match of their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup campaign, with the Philippines Army keeper set to replace the suspended Neil Etheridge for Monday's third-place play-off against Palestine.
Etheridge ended an impressive tournament on a low note when he was sent off in stoppage-time of the Azkals 2-1 semi-final defeat to Turkmenistan following an off-the-ball incident with goal scorer Gahryman Chonkayev.
"It's a great opportunity to play in the third-place match," said Sacapano, who will be making his first international appearance since the Philippines' 2-1 loss to Mongolia in an AFC Challenge Cup pre-qualifier in Ulan Bator last year.
"Neil has been doing a really good job in the tournament and I have been learning a lot from him," Sacapano said of the Philippines number one, who is understudy to Australia international Mark Schwarzer at English Premier League side Fulham.
Etheridge was arguably the keeper of the tournament until his moment of folly in the semi-final, saving a penalty against defending champions DPR Korea and keeping a clean sheet against 2008 winners India in the Group Stage.
"It was very unprofessional so I have to take responsibility for my actions," Etheridge said reflecting on his altercation with Chonkayev.
"Obviously my unprofessionalism at the end of the game was unlike me. It was the heat of the moment and I probably deserved what I received.
"It will be disappointing to watch it from the side-lines, but I will give the boys my full support and attention on Monday. And I will learn from my mistakes."
afc.com
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Whatever the outcome play of Philippine AZKALS VS Palestine still we are proud of our Philippine Team AZKALS and the whole staff
ReplyDeleteNeil had a very amazing performance, now the time for Sacapano to show his ability and skills butt we still believe that Sacapano will do his best not to allowed any goals of Palestine
WE BELIEVE ...Good luck ...Good Job fighting for 3rd place is beyond the expectations, meaning Philippine Football have growing up in the next level INTERNATIONALLY...
Proud to you guys...( Middle East )
Sacapano is a good replacement for Etheridge for the meantime because he is suspended. We will still support him for the game with Palestine and we hope that they will win. As to Etheridge, I hope he would take this situation seriously and learn from it.
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