President Aquino will be among the thousands of fans when the Philippines battles Mongolia in the first leg of their qualifying series in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
This was confirmed yesterday by Philippine Olympic Committee chair Monico Puentevella, who also said that Senators Miguel Zubiri, Teofisto Guingona III and Bong Revilla are also expected to watch the game slated on February 9.
The President, who had promised support to the Azkals during their visit to Malacañang last month, was invited by Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.
When the Azkals played Indonesia in Jakarta in the Suzuki Cup semifinals last month, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudyohono cheered for the home squad, which prevailed after winning the two legs via 1-nil scorelines.
The PFF has allotted 10,000 general admission tickets to fans for free, while 4,000 grandstand seats will be for sale at P300 each.
The Azkals had just wrapped up a three-day tryout at the University of Makati pitch for players aspiring to be part of the squad in future tournaments, including the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia late this year.
New Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss said he plans to bring 25 players, including the veterans in the Suzuki Cup, to Bacolod when the Azkals begin training camp on January 26.
Some of the overseas-based members of the team like Fil-Icelandic defender Ray Jonnson, and Fil-British players Chris Greatwich, Rob Gier and Neil Etheridge are expected to join the team a few days before the Mongolia match, according to team manager Dan Palami said.
