Global faces tough rivals in AFC Cup

Global FC seeks to sustain the momentum of its opening-night victory in the AFC Cup as it braces for the tougher rivals on the road in its next slates in Group F competition.

The People’s Club hurdled first opponent Magwe of Myanmar via a winner from captain Misagh Bahadoran last Tuesday at home, 1-0, and now shifts focus on its away assignment on March 7 against Beoungket Angkor over in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

After the fixture in Cambodia, the Cebu-based booters will head to Malaysia to battle powerhouse Johor Darul Ta’zim on March 14 in Johor Bahru.

“It’s very important for the team to get the three points in our first game. Hopefully, we can push on,” said Wesley Dos Santos, one of three new recruits of Global along with former Swansea midfielder Kemy Agustien and Trinidad and Tobago striker Darryl Roberts.

“The good start gave the players good confidence going to the next game,” said Bahadoran.

Global coach Toshiaki Imai stressed the need to improve some more, especially fitness wise.

“It was evident in the first game that some of the players have to improve on their conditioning. We also have to step up on defense and counters,” he said. “We will continue to work and be ready.”

JDT, by virtue of its 3- 0 disposal of Beoungket, leads Group F with three points ahead of Global on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Ceres FC looks forward to playing its maiden home outing on March 7 against Tampines Rovers over in Group F.

The Busmen debuted with a 1-1 draw with Hanoi FC last Tuesday at My Dinh Stadium to run second behind Tampines with one point.

“I think we had a good result from our first game of the competition this year considering we played a very strong opponent and we hope to build on this,” said Ceres skipper Martin Steuble.