Global FC taps stars for AFC Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Global FC has beefed up its lineup for its debut in the AFC President’s Cup, tapping Fil-Spanish defender Juani Guirado and Ivorian goalkeeper Moussa Sanogo for the competitions slated May 8-12 at Cebu City Sports Complex.

Guirado, who also played in the third division in Spain, will hook up with a number of his fellow Azkals and shore up the backline for Global FC in its campaign against league titlists from Bhutan (Yeedzin), Pakistan (KRL) and Kyrgyzstan (Dordoi Bishkek). 

“Juani (Guirado) will help us with his experience aside from the fact that he’s also played with some of the players in the squad,” said Global owner Dan Palami of the battle-tested defender, who played key role in Global’s title run in the UFL last year.

The 6-foot-5 Sanogo, formerly of Aisec Mimossa in the top-flight league in the Ivory Coast and product of the Abidjan-based JMG Academy, where the likes of world-class players Kolo and Yaya Toure were developed, will man the post for the reigning United Football League champions.He came in as replacement to Roland Sadia, who dislocated his elbow in the UFL match against Kaya last month.

“We really focused on improving our defense because we expect a lot of good attacking players in the tournament and it’s important for us not to concede goals,” Palami said.

Global FC is the first Filipino club to play in the President’s Cup, tournament for teams from “emerging” footballing nations in Asia.

“Our President’s Cup campaign isn’t just about Global. It’s also a milestone for all football clubs in the Philippines – a door that opens Asia to Filipino clubs - so it’s important for us to do well in this tournament,” Palami said.

Global is slated to play Yeedzin on May 8, KRL on May 10 and Dordoi, a two-time champion and four-time runner-up of the competition, on May 12. The objective isto land in the Top 2 of the group stage to advance to the second round in September.