Azkals roster for AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers released

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has released the 23 players that will comprise the national team in the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers in Rizal Memorial Stadium on March 22 to 26.

Spearheading the squad are stalwarts Neil Etheridge of Fulham FC and Hoffenheim midfielder Stephan Schrock who are currently on their way to the Philippines to link up with the squad before the first match on Friday, March 22, against Brunei.

Other foreign-based players included in the line-up are defenders Dennis Cagara of Karlsruher SC, Rob Gier of Ascot United and Juani Guirado of Racing Lermeno along with MSV Duisburg shot stopper Roland Muller.

Midfielders Jerry Lucena of Esbjerg SB and Paul Mulders of ADO den Haag are also in the line up along with midfielder-cum-striker Angel Guirado of Spain’s Segunda Division B club, CD Olimpia de Xativa, and newly-signed striker of Buriram United and newest Azkals, Javier Patino.

Leading the local-based pack are skipper Chieffy Caligdong of Green Archers United FC and the prolific duo of Phil and James Younghusband of the Loyola Meralco Sparks.

Included also are the Global FC playmakers including Marwin Angeles, Misagh Bahadoran, Jeffrey Christiaens, Carlie de Murga, Patrick Reichelt, Matthew Uy and Stallions Sta. Lucia on-loan midfielder Jason de Jong.

Other players called up for the team are Army keeper Ed Sacapano and Kaya midfielders OJ Porteria and Chris Greatwich.

Interestingly, veteran defender Ray Jonsson, striker Dennis Wolf and keeper Ref Cuaresma have been ruled out of the squad list as well as the other players from the armed forces including Boogie Margarse, Roel Gener and Ian Araneta.

Here’s the full list of the 23-man squad for the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers:

1. Marwin Angeles
2. Misagh Bahadoran
3. Dennis Cagara
4. Emelio Caligdong
5. Jeffrey Christiaens
6. Jason De Jong
7. Neil Etheridge
8. Robert Gier
9. Chris Greatwich
10. Angel Guirado
11. Juan Luis Guirado
12. Jerry Lucena
13. Carlos De Murga
14. Paul Mulders
15. Roland Muller
16. Javier Patino
17. OJ Porteria
18. Patrick Reichelt
19. Eduard Sacapano
20. Stephan Schrock
21. Matthew Uy
22. James Younghusband
23. Phil Younghusband

The Azkals will battle Brunei Darussalam in the opening day of the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers on March 22 before facing Cambodia and Turkmenistan on the 24th and 26th, respectively. – Rappler.com