GLOBAL CEBU FC LOOKS TO STAY CLEAN AT HOME
With some main players out for injuries and suspensions, Global Cebu FC to try and hold down the fort as they face Marikina in the PFL at the CCSC tonight
Missing some of its stars to injuries and suspension, an undermanned Global Cebu FC will make do with what it has and try its best to protect its home in a crucial Philippines Football League (PFL) match against JPV Marikina FC tonight at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
“Given the situation that we have been, we will still play. We will see what will be the outcome. It’s a good chance for the players that we have to step up,” said Global Cebu FC head coach Akbar Nawas.
Global Cebu FC will still miss the services of defensive staple Amani Aguinaldo to a knee injury, while captain Misagh Bahadoran is also shelved due to a shoulder injury. Forwards Rufo Sanchez and Darryl Roberts will miss this match serving their suspensions from acquired yellow cards.
“We’ll try very best, whenever we we play we give it a go. I think that’s what’s important at this moment. We want to go to the playoffs,” said Nawas.
Global Cebu FC will most like- ly start Paolo Bugas and Paolo Salenga up front.
Despite the deleted roster of Global Cebu FC, JPV Marikina FC head coach Dan Padernal doesn’t take it as an advantage for them.
“I don’t see that edge because we are going to play 11 against 11. The ball is round and we are not taking that as an advantage. We are going to play tactically disciplined on both ends,” he said.
JPV Marikina FC is in dire need of a win against the top teams of the league, which includes Global Cebu FC, in order for the Marikina-based club to catch up possibly make it into the top four.
“Fighting for the fourth spot are us Global and Stallion. If Global let this game slip then we have a big chance for the No. 4 spot. Last game we beat them, but that was just a bad game because Global team didn’t have a complete line up and didn’t have a keeper, Misagh isn’t a keeper. This game Patrick (Deyto) is present, they have Pika (Hikaru Minegishi) and very good players with Salenga and Bugas up front. We’re going to give then a very good fight,” said Padernal.
Global Cebu FC is currently in fourth with 34 points, closely trailing third ranked Ceres Negros FC by just a point.
JPV Marikina FC is fifth with 27 points, while Stallion Laguna FC is sixth also with 27 but behind on goal difference.
FC Meralco Manila is still at the top with 44 points, while Kaya FC-Makati is second with 41 points.
In both teams last encounter, JPV Markina FC handed Global FC its most lopsided defeat, 5-2. It was a match that Global Cebu FC played without a goalkeeper.
“Anyone that plays us always steps up. I think because Global being the the brand name itself, everyone wants to have a win over us. We have seen them a couple of times and they have taken more of it and we will set up and see how we play tomorrow but we do have something up our sleeves,” said Nawas
Though playing crippled, Global Cebu FC is still optimistic of keeping its unbeaten streak at home.