Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2019 SEA Games

Amani Aguinaldo looks to impart knowledge to Azkals U22


It seems only yesterday that Amani Aguinaldo donned the Azkals jersey for the first time against Indonesia on August 14, 2013.

As a defender, he has played with and learned from the likes of Juani Guirado, Rob Gier, and Simone Rota as he grew in stature in the senior team. This time, though, it is the 24-year-old’s duty to take up a mentor role as part of the Philippines’ lineup for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

In the Philippines U-22 National Men’s Football Team’s first match of the tournament against Cambodia, Aguinaldo had to manage what was a five-man defense at times, with the likes of Edison Suerti, Justin Baas, Jarvey Gayoso, and Mar Diano looking to him for guidance and instruction throughout the contest.

“Alright, to be honest, I’ve been waiting for this for maybe six years already. I’m really glad I’m with the team now,” said the former Global stalwart.

I have the opportunity to play in the SEA Games with an incredible group of players. I’m just really happy to be here right now.”

The result was a 1-1 stalemate thanks to a dramatic late equalizer from substitute midfielder Dennis Chung, Monday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. And now, 2014 AFC Challenge Cup silver medalist can say that he and his backline had a decent outing to kickstart their campaign on home soil.

“It’s an honor.

“It’s always an honor to play for the national team. I’m one of the over-aged players who was chosen to lead the team. I have to do my job and I want to do my job,” he said.

#ReadMore  OCR Pilipinas completes six SEAG gold sweep

Down 0-1 at the break, Aguinaldo and the rest of the team could have easily folded to their Cambodian counterparts and made up excuses for such a loss. Still, they managed to earn a result, which was by all accounts a fitting reward for their performance in the second half.

“Considering that we only had a few days together as a complete team with Stephan Schrock, me, and some other players who came from the senior team, I think everyone did really, really well. We exceeded, I think, the expectations of our coaches. We could have won the game but we’ll try next time,” said the 6-foot-0 defender.

While it was not a win, the outcome was still an encouraging start for the national team in its quest to make Filipino sports fans proud. With everything said and done, Aguinaldo fully understands the mission at hand.

I’m excited to play again, you know? We have to recover. I hope everyone has no injuries or something. I hope that everyone’s fully fit because we have a few more games and I hope we get to the finals.”

Written By

Lorenzo's a frustrated author who knows a thing or two about Football and Basketball. Went all green from Ortigas to Taft. Supports Liverpool FC, FC Bayern Munich and the Alaska Aces


You May Also Like

Football

If things go according to plan, Gerrit Holtmann will make his return for the Philippine Azkals next month, marking his first appearance since representing...

Football

In a case of déjà vu, a familiar face has been appointed to lead the Philippine Azkals after almost 10 years since his first...

Football

Veteran goalkeeper Neil Etheridge looks to return to action for the Philippine Azkals as part of their program in the Middle East this month....

Football

The Philippine Azkals suffered yet another defeat in their AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 campaign in a 4-0 result against Thailand, Monday, at the...

Football

Josep Ferre’s debut as the new coach of the Philippine Azkals did not go to plan. The 39-year-old Barcelona native witnessed the Azkals suffer...

Football

It will be a mix of young stars and veterans for the Philippine Men’s National Football Team as it looks to redeem itself in...

Football

Twenty-three players will hold the hopes of the country as coach Thomas Dooley picked his side to compete in the last phase of the...

Football

The Philippine Azkals are facing personnel issues just six days before they commence their make-or-break campaign in the final qualifying round of the 2023...

Advertisement