LOCAL stars banner the Philippine men’s football team that will take on Papua New Guinea on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium as part of the Azkals’ preparation for the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup.
All but one of the 22 players called up for the friendly are based in the country, with Rob Gier the lone overseas-based booter.
The veteran England-based defender is expected to skipper the 134th-ranked squad, which also features leading scorer Phil Younghusband and reigning United Football League MVP Jason de Jong among others.
Former long-time captain Chieffy Caligdong also makes his return from a long layoff due to a foot injury.
The friendly against the 199th-ranked side was confirmed after the Azkals’ match versus Malaysia supposedly slated on Saturday was cancelled.
The full squad is listed below.
Goalkeepers: Patrick Deyto, Nick O’Donnell
Defenders: Rob Gier , Amani Aguinaldo, Juani Guirado, Simone Rota, Daisuke Sato, Kenshiro Daniels, Jeff Christiaens, Anton del Rosario
Midfielders: Jason de jong, Chris Greatwich, Simon Greatwich, Manny Ott, Curt Dizon, James Younghusband, Misagh Bahadoran, Paolo Bugas
Forwards: Phil Younghusband, Mark Hartmann, Chieffy Caligdong, Patrick Reichelt
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