Global XI seeks AFC breakthru

MANILA, Philippines - After earning its first point in Asian competition, Filipino side Global FC guns for a breakthrough win tonight against Myanmar’s Yadanarbon FC in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup Group G play at Mandalar Thiri Stadium in Mandalay.

Global enters the 4 p.m. away game on a high after posting a confidence-boosting 0-0 draw with Malaysian power Pahang FC.

The famous result – a big bounceback from their woeful 1-6 setback to South China of Hong Kong in a home opener – moved the Pinoy booters up to third in the table with one point behind South China’s six and Pahang’s four. Yadanarbon brought up the rear as it dropped its first two assignments.

“If we work hard, keep our shape, we have a chance,” said Global coach Leigh Manson. “The players showed that they can compete in the AFC.”

Yadanarbon may be in the bottom of the leaderboard but Manson said they’re not taking the Burmese lightly.

“We respect our opponents. All our opponents. They are here on merit!” he stressed.

Yadanarbon is hard-pressed to get a good result to keep its bid alive in the double round-robin, home-and-away group stage.

“We have already lost our last two matches. We can’t afford to lose against Global,” coach Khin Maung Tint said.