AFC CUP PREVIEW: CERES-NEGROS VS HOME UNITED

A rematch is in the books for Ceres-Negros and Home United as they meet on the first leg of the ASEAN Zonal Final of the AFC Cup on August 1 at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

Both teams have featured in the first Zonal final last year where the Filipino club prevailed 3-2 on aggregate with Ceres-Negros clinching it with a 2-0 win in Bacolod.

Home United however has the season advantage as they have an undefeated record over the Philippine champions in the group stage of the competition.

Ceres-Negros hammered in a 1-1 draw in their first meeting at the Jalan Besar stadium last February. Shahril Ishak put his side ahead from the spot while Super Herrera nodded in the equalizer late in the match.

Late goals from Izzdin Shafiq and Song Ui-Young were the difference when the Protectors shocked the Busmen at home in Panaad last April 25. The result saw Home United qualify as the top team in Group F while Ceres-Negros came in as the best second place team in the zone.

The two teams went on to the semifinals against tough opponents with both teams pulling off impressive results over two legs. Home United edged out Persija Jakarta at home 3-2 before producing an impressive result in Indonesia after running away with a 3-1 victory.

Ceres-Negros meanwhile stamped their class in Bacolod City after a 4-2 opening win over Yangon United but they were tested in the second leg under tough conditions in Myanmar losing 2-3 but did enough to reach the final via aggregate.

The Busmen victory in the semis was however dampened by the suspension of Maranon after his expulsion late in the semifinals. He will be missing both legs of the final after a decision from the AFC.

Ceres Coach Risto Vidakovic is unfazed by the strikers absence citing the depth of his team is enough to produce a result. “For me its nothing new that Bienve (Maranon) does’nt play. We have already prepared without him. I think we have enough supply of players that the team will not suffer in his absence,” said Vidakovic.

“Bienve (Maranon) is a big loss for us but I think the way our system is built, its not very much dependent on a single player,” said Team Captain Martin Steuble “Someone has to step in and I’m sure he will fulfill his role completely,” he added.

Ceres-Negros has reinforced its lineup in the transfer window, signing key players in important positions for the squad. Former A-League striker Blake Powell comes in to the busmen as well as defender Jerry Barbaso and midfielder Curt Dizon.

Former Ceres-Negros and longtime national team players Paul Mulders and Roland Muller return to the squad in their bid to a back to back ASEAN Zone title.

Home United has also added a new player in their ranks with Australian midfielder Isaka Cernak joining the fray. He will be the replacement of defender Sirina Camara who is already out because of a knee injury.

The Singaporean squad are expecting the availability of Korean attacker Song Ui-Young who was reported to be cleared by the doctor to play Tuesday morning.

An explosive first leg is expected as Ceres-Negros aims to get a good result in their home field while Home United anticipates to catch them on the break similar to their result last April.

Festivities start in Panaad as early as 7pm with kickoff slated thirty minutes after. The match will be shown on cable channel Fox Sports at the same time. The second leg of the final is scheduled in Singapore on August 8.

http://ceresfootball.com/afc-cup-preview-ceres-negros-vs-home-united/

Cambodia edge Philippines

In the meantime over at the Delta Sidoarjo Stadium, Cambodia came back from a goal down to overwhelm the Philippines 5-1.

The Philippines tried to impress at the start with their first goal of the competition in the 11th minute when Renard Lopez Yu struck home from the edge of the Cambodian box.

But that was to be their only bright spark as they struggled with inexperience soon after while Cambodia were just playing at a better level.

“We played better in the second half than the first,” said Cambodian head coach Lee Tae Hoon.

“We still have three more games to go, so this win is crucial for the remainder of our campaign.”

Cambodia, who put up an excellent performance in spite of their loss to Vietnam in their first game, took some time to settle down and that early Philippines goal sprung them to action.

Lin Daradevid headed home the corner from Met Samel in the 16th minute to give Cambodia the equaliser as the latter then gave his team a 2-0 lead at the half with a 28th minute free-kick that Philippines keeper Sirius Cabanlet failed to save.

The Philippines attempted to get back into the game after the break but Bunthoeun Bunnarong then nodded home the third goal for Cambodia in the 52nd minute as Ky Rina then grabbed the fourth goal of the game on 72 minute.

Bunthoeun put the finishing touch with the fifth goal of the game right at the end.

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/aff-u16-vietnam-thrash-timor-cambodia-edge-philippines/

AFF U16: Indonesia win big

SURABAYA (29 July 2018) – Hosts Indonesia made a thumping start to their campaign in Group A of the AFF Under-16 Championship when they thrashed the Philippines 8-0 in the only match at the Delta Sidoarjo Stadium as Myanmar survived Timor Leste 3-2 at the Joko Samudro Stadium.

With Vietnam having sidestepped Cambodia 1-0 in an earlier match, the onus was on the other big boys to deliver as both Indonesia and Myanmar marked their arrival into the meet in commanding fashion.

The crowd might not have been overwhelming at Sidoarjo but that did little to hamper the enthusiasm of the home team as an early goal from Mochammad Supriadi early in the second minute of play put Indonesia well on the way.

The fact that the remainder of the goals came from six different players would have given a certain sense of satisfaction to Indonesian head coach Fakhri Husaini.

“The players showed what we have worked on during training. And they capitalised on the set pieces. We were surprised by the attendance of at least 8,000 fans. That motivated us,” said Fakhri afterwards.

Indonesia’s other goals were scored by Komang Teguh Trisnanda in the 18th minute, Muhammad Fajar Rachman (32nd), Sutan Diego Zico (45th),  Rendy Juliansyah (56th and 67th), David Maulana’s penalty in the 63rd minute and Amirudin Bagus Alfikri (72nd).

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/aff-u16-indonesia-win-big-myanmar-survive-timor/

AFF U16 Sunday - Indonesia 8-0 Philippines

Livestream :

http://www.indosiar.com/live

PFL Sunday - Global Cebu 1-5 JPV Marikina

Global Cebu vs JPV Marikina

Start 3 pm

PFF Training Centre in Carmona.



Livestream :

https://www.pfltv.ph/livestream/global-cebu-fc-jpv-marikina-fc/1271651

Update :

25 mins 0-1 Moriyasu , JPV Marikina
32 mins 0-2 Baguioro , JPV Marikina
0-2 HT
65 mins 0-3 Celiz, JPV Marikina
0-4 Celiz, JPV Marikina
1-4 M.Angeles , Global Cebu
1-5 A.Angeles, JPV Marikina
1-5 FT

Late Arboleda goal salvages draw between Laguna, Davao

By Ivan Saldajeno

BINAN--Fitch Arboleda saved Stallion Laguna from getting pipped at home against Davao Aguilas as he forced a 1-1 draw in their PFL match at the Binan Football Stadium on Saturday.

Arboleda headed in a Carlo Polli set piece in the third minute of stoppage time as the more aggressive Laguna side split the points with Davao.

Wesley Dos Santos made the match's first goal in the 38th minute with a header off a Phil Younghusband corner.

Laguna tried to quickly get the goal back, but the Davao defense held on even as Laguna committed some bad passes at close range from the goal.

However, Polli made sure his pass won't falter, chipping his free kick into a blitzing Arboleda, who went for the layout and headed the ball past Patrick Deyto.

The draw moves Davao and Laguna to 29 and 25 points respectively. Both teams are chasing Iloilo (33) for second place.

https://www.dugout.ph/2018/07/late-arboleda-goal-salvages-draw.html

PFL Saturday - Stallion Laguna 1-1 Davao Aguilas

Livestream :

https://www.pfltv.ph/livestream/stallion-laguna-fc-davao-aguilas-fc/1271643

Update

0-1 dos Santos, Davao Aguilas
1-1 Arboleda , Stallion Laguna
1-1 FT

Azkals to play Suzuki Cup home games in Panaad stadium

By

 Adrian Stewart Co

MANILA – Philippine Azkals will sure enjoy the support of football-loving Bacolodnons.

The Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City was chosen to host Azkals’ home games in the AFF Suzuki Cup this year.

“Azkals will play their AFF Suzuki Cup home games at Panaad Park [and] Stadium, Bacolod City,” Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta said in a statement.

Under new head coach Terry Butcher, Azkals will start its Suzuki Cup campaign in November, competing in a five-team round-robin group with a new home-and-away format.

The Philippines will play Singapore on Nov. 13 before playing either Brunei or Timor Leste away four days later.

Azkals will return to Panaad on Nov. 21 and battle Thailand before playing on the road anew against Indonesia on Nov. 25.

“RMS (Rizal Memorial Stadium) will not be available that time because it will be renovated for the upcoming 2019 SEA (Southeast Asian) Games,” Araneta said.

If Azkals succeeds in the group stage, it will head to the semifinal round from Dec. 1 to 6. The two-legged championship series will be on Dec. 11 and 15.

In the 2016 edition of the Suzuki Cup, the Azkals – then under head coach Thomas Dooley – failed to make it past the group stage after losing to Thailand 0-1./PN

https://www.panaynews.net/azkals-to-play-suzuki-cup-home-games-in-panaad-stadium/

Philippines Under-16 Head To Surabaya For The AFF U16 Championship 2018

The Philippines Boys Under-16 National Team will compete in the upcoming AFF U16 Championship 2018 which will be held in Surabaya, Indonesia from 29 July-11 August 2018.

The Philippines is in Group A and will face tournament host Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Timor Leste.

The team is led by PFF Head of Youth Development Reiji Hirata as head coach, assisted by coaches Salvador Salvacion, David Javellana, and goalkeeping coach Ralph Nino Datoy.

The team conducted their training camp at the PFF National Training Center inside the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite for the past 3 weeks. During the send-off brunch held last 25 July 2018, Philippine Girls Under-16 coach and former Philippine Women’s National Team captain Marielle Benitez gave an inspirational talk to the team.

“We wish the Philippine Under-16 Team good luck in the upcoming AFF U16 Championship 2018 in Surabaya, Indonesia,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “Coach Reiji Hirata has already made a good showing in the recent AFF U19 Championship and we hope that he can inspire and lead the team to victory.”

The team will fly to Indonesia tonight, 26 July 2018.

Players:

1. BARRERA, Franc John – Goalkeeper – San Beda University
2. CABANLET, Sirius Emory – Goalkeeper – Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati
3. FABRIGAS, Jetrick – Goalkeeper – Olongapo National High School
4. ANG, Jerome – Defender – Far Eastern University
5. AQUINO, Raphael Gianne – Defender – La Salle Green Hills
6. FERNANDEZ, Paolo – Defender – La Salle Green Hills
7. GO, Josh Ralph – Defender – Corpus Christi School, Cagayan de Oro
8. JARANDILLO, RJ Vincent – Defender – Saint Paul University, Iloilo
9. LAMPAYAN, Liam – Defender – De La Salle Zobel
10. LAMPINES, Alexis Jeremy – Defender – San Beda University
11. ROSQUILLO, Jaime – Defender – Barotac Nuevo National High School, Iloilo
12. SOLLORIN, Konrad Keim – Defender – Ateneo de Iloilo, Iloilo
13. DELA CRUZ, Resty Lloyd – Midfielder – Davao National High School
14. MITRA, Jan Mier – Midfielder – De La Salle Zobel
15. ORTEGA, Antoine – Midfielder – Muntinlupa & Barcelona, Spain
16. REYES, Sandro – Midfielder – Marinduque & Barcelona, Spain
17. ROXAS, Fernando – Midfielder – Ateneo de Manila University
18. TUAZON, James Carl – Midfielder – Central Philippines University, Iloilo
19. LUMAPAS, Christian – Forward – Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu
20. MCDERMOTT, Thomas – Forward – Cebu City & Washington DC USA
21. TACARDON, Florence – Forward – Claret School of Quezon City, Iloilo
22. VALENZUELA, Khent Brian – Forward – Central Philippines University
23. YU, Renard – Forward – Xavier School

Fixtures:

29 July 2018 – 7:00 PM local time (8:00 PM Philippine time)
Indonesia vs Philippines
Delta Sidoarjo Stadium

31 July 2018 – 3:30 PM local time (4:30 PM Philippine time)
Cambodia vs Philippines
Joko Samudro Stadium

2 August 2018 – 3:30 PM local time (4:30 PM Philippine time)
Philippines vs Myanmar
Delta Sidoarjo Stadium

4 August 2018 – 3:30 PM local time (4:30 PM Philippine time)
Philippines vs Vietnam
Joko Samudro Stadium

6 August 2018 – 3:30 PM local time (4:30 PM Philippine time)
Timor Leste vs Philippines
Joko Samudro Stadium

http://pff.org.ph/2018/07/26/philippines-under-16-head-to-surabaya-for-the-aff-u16-championship-2018/

PFF Advisory: AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Tickets Announced

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that the tickets for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 will go on sale starting Monday 30 July 2018.

The Asian Cup will be held from 5 January until 1 February 2019 at the United Arab Emiriates.

The Philippines is in Group C along with Korea Republic, China PR, and Kyrgyz Republic. The matches will be held in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi.

The tickets, which will be made available to the public, are split into three (3) categories and pricing will be different from the group stage until the final match.

The PFF invites all football fans and stakeholders to support the Men’s National Team in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup

“To be one of the 24 teams in the AFC Asian Cup is a huge honor to everyone that has been involved in football these past few years,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “We invite everyone, especially the fans of the Men’s National Team, who will be able to travel to UAE during the tournament proper, and all the fans from the UAE, to get their tickets for the Asian Cup in advance.”

http://pff.org.ph/2018/07/23/pff-advisory-afc-asian-cup-uae-2019-tickets-announced/

Negros retain PFL title after emphatic thrashing of Cebu

By Kevin Estrada

MANILA -- Hitting and running their way to the top, Ceres Negros retain the PFL title just before the month of August, after turning Global Cebu into a hapless roadkill with a 6-1 rout on Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial.

A hat-trick by Bienvenido Marañon led the way for Risto Vidakovic's Busmen as they ensured that the league title will remain in Bacolod after bulldozing through the opposition as their 54 points on the table with four matches to spare was just too much of Kaya Iloilo to handle.

It also ended a seven-year wait for a successful defence of the league crown after Philippine Air Force did the trick in the old UFL.

The Spaniard opened the rout in the 20th minute with a left-footed effort that smoothly went past Florencio Badelic's frame.

Then Mike Ott and Omid Nazari fired a pair of long-ranged shots past Badelic in the 36th and the 39th minute with the Negrenses comfortably ahead at the break.

However, Marvin Angeles pulled one back three minutes into the restart with his left foot inside the box.

But Marañon put an end to the short-lived resistance as he converted on the younger Ott's pass to make it 4-1 in the 70th, a minute after he was denied by Badelic from the spot.

Substitute Blake Powell continued the rout five minutes later as he converted his retaken penalty by sending the former Manila netminder to the opposite direction.

Marañon then completed his hat-trick two minutes before full time with a simple tap-in to cap off their title procession.

With the title wrapped up, the dream of treble is alive by next week, starting with their AFC Cup ASEAN Zone rematch with Home United on the very first day of the new month.

https://www.dugout.ph/2018/07/rampaging-repeat-negros-retain-pfl.html

PFL - Ceres-Negros 6-1 Global Cebu . Ceres-Negros PFL champions !

PFL PREVIEW: CERES-NEGROS VS GLOBAL-CEBU

Ceres-Negros FC is aiming to clinch the PFL title when they face Global Cebu FC on July 25 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in the City of Manila.

The busmen are just one point shy of the title after improving to 51 points after the win against Global. Second place Kaya FC is currently at 33 points but can only reach 51 if they win all their remaining games.

Ceres has dominated and are still unbeaten in their season series with Global. An inspired performance from Stephan Schrock powered the busmen to a 2-0 victory last April.

Braces from Stephan Schrock and Mike Ott were enough to prevent a late comeback from the Cebu side which saw the match finish 4-3 in favor of Ceres.

A weakened Global squad bowed to Ceres-Negros last Saturday in their third meeting at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Goals from Bienvenido Maranon and Curt Dizon saw the busmen go ahead in the first half but a barrage of goals in the second saw them finish 7-1.

Ceres-Negros is already preparing for next week’s AFC Cup match and Coach Risto Vidakovic is looking to test his wards in the forthcoming match.

A win would be enough for Ceres-Negros to clinch its second consecutive league title.

The league match is set to kickoff at 7pm and will be shown live via PFLtv.ph.

http://ceresfootball.com/pfl-preview-ceres-negros-vs-global-cebu-2/

PFL Wednesday - JPV Marikina 0-3 Davao Aguilas

Livestream : Start 3 pm

https://www.pfltv.ph/livestream/jpv-marikina-fc-davao-aguilas-fc/1281552

PFL Sunday - JPV Marikina vs Davao Aguilas - Cancelled

Moved to PFF Center in Carmona .

Match time 3 pm

Livestream :



https://www.pfltv.ph/livestream/jpv-marikina-fc-davao-aguilas-fc/1264115

"Josie" hampers Marikina's homecoming as game vs Davao moved to Carmona

By Ivan Saldajeno

MARIKINA--This time, the weather spoiled the reopening of "Camp Big Falcon".

As announced during the pre-match press conference on Saturday, the scheduled clash between JPV Marikina and Davao Aguilas on Sunday will now be played at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona.

The match was supposed to be Marikina's first home game at the Marikina Sports Center since the first game of the PFL season against Cebu.

Marikina, in fact, was scheduled to play its previous two home games at the said venue only that the unavailability of the pitch in its previous meeting against Davao and the decision of Cebu to beg off from playing a few days after hampered the said schedules.

This time, as explained by designated match commissioner Red Avelino, inclement weather during the past few days due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Severe Tropical Storm "Inday" and the then low pressure area that would become Tropical Depression "Josie" soaked the grass pitch of the Marikina Sports Center, and with the rains still expected on Sunday, the transfer of the match venue was then made.

Also, the kickoff time was moved an hour earlier at 3 p.m.

Davao looks to strengthen its hold of third spot in the league standings against struggling Marikina, which recently let go of backup goalie Felipe Tripulca to Laguna.

https://www.dugout.ph/2018/07/josie-hampers-marikinas-homecoming.html

PFL - Ceres-Negros 7-1 Global Cebu

Lineups

Ceres Negros: Doblas, Herrera, Steuble (C), Munoz, De Murga, Manny Ott (Christiaens 76′), Porteria, Mulders (Nazari 60′), Dizon, Maranon, Powell (Reichelt 72′)

Global Cebu: Badelic, Lee (Bricenio 67′), Beloya (Beaton 27′), Melgo, Jarvis, Regala, Marasigan, Valmayor (Villegas 60′), Sarmiento, Angeles, Roberts (C)

PFL - Stallion Laguna 2-0 Kaya Fc-Ililo

Lineup

Stallion Laguna: Tripulca, Linatoc, Nierras, Joon, Ishihara, Alquiros, Doctora (Bugas 66′), Polli (Villareal 89′), Arboleda, Tuason (Melliza 54′), Sy

Kaya Iloilo: Villanueva, Omura, Tacusalme, Kaole, Felongco, Tanton, Osei, Angeles, Giganto (Villasenor 70′), Tacagni (Amita 70′), Bedic

Match report :

https://www.foxsports.ph/football/asian-football/philippine-football/pfl/886315/stallion-dominate-kaya/

VIDAKOVIC LOOKS TO TEST NEW PLAYERS IN COMING MATCHES

Ceres-Negros Coach Risto Vidakovic is looking forward to the next league matches to assess his new signings for the club.

The busmen signed five new players in the fold to reinforce the current core. League veterans Paul Mulders, Jerry Barabaso, and Curt Dizon signed for the Negros squad.

Goalkeeper Roland Muller returned from family duties while Aussie striker Blake Powell aims to make his mark for the defending PFL champs.

After their first practice at the Panaad Stadium with the team, Vidakovic was quick not to give early assumptions about the new signings.

“It’s to early to talk about them,” said the Ceres mentor. “We need to see them in the games and that’s it. You never know. The first impression, not important.”

The champion coach was happy with the new additions given that the team will be navigating across three competitions in the next few months.

Ceres-Negros is on the tail-end of the Philippines Football League and is nearing the AFC Cup ASEAN Finals. They will also participate in the Copa Paulino Alacantara on September.

“We need all the players that can compete for the first eleven. It’s also increasing the competition between the players so it’s good for the team,” added the former Betis defender.

Vidakovic will now have the luxury of an expanded pool after losing plenty of players to injuries in the last few months. “If I have five more players, then I can choose,” he added.

http://ceresfootball.com/vidakovic-looks-test-new-players-coming-matches/

PFL PREVIEW: CERES-NEGROS VS GLOBAL-CEBU

League leaders Ceres-Negros FC meets Global Cebu FC for the third time this season on July 20 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in the City of Manila.

The two rivals will meet for two consecutive matches this month with Ceres gunning to earn points in their quest for their second consecutive PFL title.

Both teams have met twice this season with the Negros outfit winning both matches in the historic stadium.

Ceres-Negros FC scored a hard-earned 2-0 victory last April 18 in Rizal Memorial. Mike Ott and Stephan Schrock scored a goal each in the match to keep the Cebu side at bay.

Their second meeting was also an interesting affair when they withstood home squad’s second half comeback to score a 4-3 win last June 16.

Stephan Schrock and Mike Ott both scored a brace while Darryl Roberts registered a brace of his own with Paolo Salenga scoring the other goal for Global.

Both teams have produced good results in their past matches leading up to the Saturday tiff. Ten-man Ceres-Negros lorded over the Davao Aguilas in Tagum to score a 3-1 result.

“Coming from a victory against Davao, the team had a good break after the last few weeks,” said Ceres Assistant Ian Treyes. “We are focused on our next games against Global. Hopefully we can perform well and get the next two games so we can focus on the AFC Cup,” he added.

A depleted but resilient Global side scored early but conceded late against the Aguilas to go home with a 1-1 draw last Wednesday. Ceres foward Nessi Ramos is well aware of the challenge ahead and is raring to go in the next match.

“We saw how Global drew against Davao the last game and they’re still strong team for me. We’re still focused on the game tomorrow and we have new players it will be a challenge for us,” said the former St. La Salle standout.

The opening of the transfer window saw three Global players moving to the Negrense squad last July 15. Paul Mulders, Curt Dizon, and Jerry Barbaso have reinforced ASEAN Finals bound squad and will possible feature against their former club.

Australian striker Blake Powell has also joined the defending PFL champions and will also likely play in their upcoming match. The A-League veteran has featured for clubs such as Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix, and lately with the Central Coast Mariners.

The league match is set to kickoff at 730pm and will be shown live via PFLtv.ph.

http://ceresfootball.com/pfl-preview-ceres-negros-vs-global-cebu/

PFF reveals busy coming months for Azkals

WITH top international competitions in its cards in the coming months, the Philippine national men’s football team will be busy in preparation as it tries to put up a good showing, this according to the country’s football federation president.

Set to play in the AFF Suzuki Cup in November and December and in the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in January next year, the Philippine Azkals, now handled by new coach Terry Butcher, will be shuttling here and there in the lead-up to these tournaments to develop their game and camaraderie.

In a statement, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano Araneta said the Azkals will travel to Bahrain during the September FIFA window to play a Bahraini club side, likely on Sept. 7, before tangling with the Bahrain national team on Sept. 11.

There will also be a FIFA window in October, and Mr. Araneta said the Filipinos can enjoy at least one friendly at home. Araneta hopes that the Rizal Memorial Stadium will still be available before it gets spruced up in preparation for the country’s hosting of the 2019 SEA Games.

“Our fans will get to watch our new team,” Mr. Araneta said, referring to the now Butcher-led squad.

British Butcher took the Azkals reins from American Thomas Dooley, who handled the team from 2014 to 2018.

The Azkals begin their Suzuki Cup campaign in November that will see them compete in a five-team round-robin group with a new home-and-away format.

The Philippines will host Singapore at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod on Nov. 13 before playing either Brunei or Timor Leste away four days later. The two ASEAN minnows will square off in a two-legged qualifying series in September to determine who makes the group stage.

On Nov. 21 the Azkals entertain Thailand at Panaad before closing their group stage against Indonesia on Nov. 25.

The semifinals will run from Dec. 1 to 6, with the two-legged finals being held on Dec. 11 and 15.

After a quick Christmas break the team flies to the Middle East on Dec. 26, where final preparations for the Asian Cup will commence.

Mr. Araneta said that there are plans to play in Qatar against either a club team or their national side, and then perhaps a game in Kuwait before the team goes to the United Arab Emirates for the Asian Cup.

The group schedule is as follows: Jan. 7 against Korea Republic in Dubai, Jan. 11 versus China in Abu Dhabi, then Jan. 16 against Kyrgyzstan in Dubai.

The top two will advance to the knockout round, but the Philippines can also sneak through as one of the better third-placers.

The Philippines booked a spot in the Asian Cup after a 2-1 victory over Tajikistan in its final Asian Cup Qualifiers group match on March 27.

In the prestigious tournament, the Philippines will join 23 other nations which proved their worth to be part of the quadrennial football meet. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

http://bworldonline.com/pff-reveals-busy-coming-months-for-azkals/

Uesato bids Ceres-Negros goodbye as Muller, Mulders rejoin Busmen

BY NIDA A. BUENAFE

Japanese striker Takumi Uesato scored the goals that gave Ceres-Negros the 2-0 win against Stallion Laguna FC in their last home game at the Panaad Stadium in the Philippines Football League (PFL) at the start of the month.

Yesterday, the club confirmed that Uesato is moving on out, paving the way for the return of goalkeeper Roland Muller and Paul Mulders and the acquisition of Jerry Barbaso and Curt Dizon from Global FC and Australian striker Blake Powell.

In his social media account, Uesato thanked his Ceres family and the Negros fans for supporting him.

“Goodbye…thank you so much Ceres family. I love Ceres family..Thank you always (for the) support,” he posted in his Facebook account.

Rejoining the team is ace goalkeeper Muller whose outstanding performance last year helped Ceres-Negros capture the AFC Cup ASEAN Zone Championship and the inaugural PFL crown.

Muller took a leave from Ceres at the start of the season this year to attend to his family. Two days ago, he posted a message in his social media account announcing his return.

“Announcement: COMING BACK HOME 💛 thankful for the trust of the sportmanagment, coaches, teammates, staff. I will work hard that I will asap to be back on my strength and help the TEAM,” a posted on instagram.

Tapped to join then Ceres-La Salle in 2014, Mulders moved to Global Cebu last year and saw action for the team during the AFC Cup Group Stage and in the PFL where the Cebu team finished runner-up to Ceres.

Also moving from Global to Ceres are national campaigners Barbaso and Dizon.

he 30-year-old Barbaso used to play for Laos FC before joining Global in 2009, while Dizon, a winger/forward, played in Spain with Gimnastica Segoviana CF in 2013 before his Philippine debut with Globalin 2014.

Further boosting Ceres’ lineup is Australian striker/attacking midfielder Powell, who played in the National Premier League in New South Wales and A-League’s Central Coast Mariner.

Meanwhile, Ceres club administrator Nicolas Golez said they are still waiting for the official communication from the PFL to confirm the July 21 and July 25 games between Ceres and Global at the Panaad Stadium.

Golez said the match scheduled today against Stallion was rescheduled while the back-to-back games against Global are yet to be confirmed.

He said they are looking forward to the two matches against Global for the new players and to prepare for the AFC Cup ASEAN Final home against Home United of Singapore on Aug. 1 at the Panaad Stadium.*NAB

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/July/18/sportnews1.htm

PFL - Ceres-Negros sign 5 players

PFL Advisory - Ceres-Negros vs Stallion Laguna

PFL - Davao Aguilas 1-1 Global Cebu - Updated

Livestream

https://www.pfltv.ph/livestream/davao-aguilas-fc-global-cebu-fc/1264108














0-1 Roberts , Global Cebu
1-1 Salenga , Davao Aguilas


1-1 FT

Barbaso leaves Global

Global Cebu is set to lose another key player as veteran defender Jerry Barbaso announced his departure from the club.

"I am sad to leave you all," Barbaso said on Facebook last night.He did not detail his departure from Global Cebu.

Barbaso has been with Cebu since he began his pro career in 2009 and has never transferred to another club.

"The time that I have spent with you guys is one of the best time of my life which I am sure i will cherish throughout my life," he continued as he thanked the club.

Cebu is still reeling from the loss of Wesley Dos Santos and Patrick Deyto, who are set to formally join Davao when the transfer window officially opens on Monday.

Three days ago, JPV Marikina FC missed out on playing at its homecourt at the Marikina Sports Complex after Global begged off from playing the scheduled match.

A statement made by the league early this week said Global Cebu FC has notified Liga Futbol Inc (LFI) that they would not be able to play their scheduled match against JPV Marikina due to "circumstantial reasons that the club has provided the LFI".*PNA

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/July/14/sportnews3.htm

Former Azkals GK Roland Müller back with Ceres-Negros Fc !

Coach Ernie-less Laguna downs gritty Marikina

By Ivan Saldajeno

BINAN--A blistering first half was enough for Stallion Laguna to hold off JPV Marikina, 3-2, in the first game of PFL Saturday at the Binan Football Stadium.

Playing sans head coach Ernie Nierras as he is completing his AFC coaching course this weekend, Laguna survived a second half scare from Marikina as interim coach Richard Leyble scored a win in his head coaching debut.

Laguna went 2-0 up in a three-minute stretch with Yannick Tuason opening the scoring in the 14th minute and Carlo Polli doubling the lead in the 17th.

Franco Dela Torre made the match exciting as he gave Marikina its first goal of the match in the 30th minute.

Terrence Linatoc, however, restored order with a 44th minute strike for the 3-1 count.

In the 58th minute, Marikina was awarded a penalty due to a handball inside the box, and Keigo Moriyasu did not disappoint by drilling in the goal.

However, Marikina failed to capitalize on the shot to inch closer as Laguna became even more aggressive down the stretch.

Laguna is now on 21 points after 17 matches, three points below Davao, which is hosting Negros as of posting, for third place.

Marikina remained in fifth place with 14 points.

https://www.dugout.ph/2018/07/coach-ernie-less-laguna-downs-gritty-marikina.html

PFL: DAVAO AGUILAS 1-3 CERES-NEGROS

Ten-man Ceres Negros whipped Davao Aguilas 3-1 last July 14 at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City. Jeffrey Christaens, Bienvenido Marañon, and Amani Aguinaldo scored for the busmen while Kim Sungmin added one for the home squad.

Davao had the earliest chance in the match with a Philip Younghusband free kick but his shot from twenty-yards was easily collected by Toni Doblas.

Ceres went ahead on the 6th minute when Christaens sent a long ball into the box only for keeper Ronilo Bayan to misread the ball and watch it go to the back of the net.

OJ Porteria gave it a go in the 17th minute but his dipping ball was still a yard over the bar. Marañon would have his chance minutes later after an Uesato through ball allowed him space to shoot but his attempt bounced off the woodwork.

Patrick Reichelt’s left-footed attempt in the 27th minute was handled well by the opposing keeper. Things went bad for Ceres ten minutes later when Mike Ott was sent off after the assistant referee’s recommendation.

Younghusband again threatened from a free kick in a more dangerous area but the attempt was easily collected by Doblas. Porteria had his own near the halftime whistle but his curling attempt was tapped away by Bayan near the top corner.

The Aguilas threatened early in the second half to force Doblas off his line to clear the ball intended for Kim. Risto Vidakovic made twin substitutions near the hour mark and put in Manny Ott and Carli De Murga and rest Kevin Ingreso and Porteria.

Ott immediately announced his entry with a thundering strike from 25-yards. His shot however sailed over the bar. The returnee made another key pass in the hour mark picking out Takumi Uesato whose left footed shot was tapped out for a corner.

Manny Ott sent a corner in the box which fell near Amani Aguinaldo who did enough to see the ball past the goal line for the 2-0 lead. De Murga culminated a Ceres attack from the back but his attempt was way over.

Reichelt skillfully broke away from the defense and tried to sneak the ball past the keeper but Bayan did well to foil the attempt.

Ceres were given a penalty minutes later when De Murga was fouled on the box as he was about to take a shot on goal. Maranon stepped up on the spot and drilled dead center to mark his return to goal-scoring form after missing matches due to injury.

Phil Younghusband tried to shoot past the defense of Aguinaldo moments later but his attempt was way off target. Maranon was later on replaced by Steuble in the 84th minute to complete the substitution for the visitors.

Things went sour minutes later when Doblas rushed out of his line to get the ball before clearing it to the sidelines. Matthew Hartman tripped the keeper on his way back but the referee allowed the continuation of the play. Takashi Odawara had a golden chance to score but his attempt was way off.

Uesato took a chance from distance and chipped the keeper but his shot curled off target. Davao would get a goal back near the end when Kim chested in a De Bruycker cross to make things interesting for the Aguilas.

Ceres-Negros however held on for the lead and earn their fourth straight victory over Davao and increase their lead at the table to 15 points.

“I think we were lucky in the beginning we scored a lucky goal, after that it was more easier to play,” said Risto Vidakovic. “I want to congratulate my players because it was the third game in a week and they played with one player less. We played much better than them, scored three goals, and I think we deserved the win,” he added.

“Im very proud of every single player if you consider the situation we were in,” said Man of the match Patrick Reichelt who was also the designated team captain. “What the boys did with one man down, working super hard, and even scoring two more goals. I’m proud of each and every one.”

Ceres-Negros are now six points away from the PFL title with five matches left in the season. They will now focus on matches against Stallion Laguna and Global Cebu before the face Home United in the Asean final in August.

http://ceresfootball.com/pfl-davao-aguilas-1-3-ceres-negros/