Global kicks off AFC debut vs Chinese

MANILA, Philippines - Global FC hopes to come up with a strong start and fuel its historic debut in Group G of the Asian Football Confederation Cup tonight against South China AA at the Rizal Memorial football field.

Global is the first Filipino club to qualify for the AFC Cup group stages and the People’s Cup views it as a challenge and responsibility to raise the Phl flag against more established foreign teams like South China.

“Of course, there’s pressure on us. This is our home and we’re going to go full power,” Global stalwart Misagh Bahadoran said during yesterday’s presscon.

“We’ll use this game as a challenge for us. We have to make sure that Global represents the Phl well in the AFC Cup,” said CEO Dan Palami.

While Global is getting its baptism of fire in the Asian club scene, South China has long been in existence. The visitors are the top team in division one of the HK premier league and won the title there 44 times.

“I don’t think our players will have stage fright,” said Global coach Leigh Manson.

Global is left to carry the fight for the country after Ceres La Salle dropped its playoff match to Maldivian club Maziya Sports and Recreation last week.