Azkals to defend Peace Cup title at Panaad

Photo of Mayor Monico Puentevella courtesy of spin.ph

Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella confirmed that the Philippine Azkals will be defending the Philippine Peace Cup against Pakistan and Chinese Taipei at the Panaad Stadium on October 11, 13 and 15, a press release from city hall said.

Puentevella said the Philippine Football Federation informed his office that the Azkals will go against Pakistan (ranked 170) and Chinese Taipei whom they defeated last year, 3-1, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. The win also marked Philippine Football's first international title in 99 years.

The Azkals are ranked number 141 by FIFA, or the Fédération Internationale de Football Association as the sport's governing body. Chinese Taipei, on the other hand is 5 ranks south of Pakistan at 175.

A member of FIFA's Marketing and Television Committee, Puentevella foresees a jam-packed Panaad crowd on the said dates as Bacolod and Negros are known for their ardor for the sport, the press release said.

“We know football and we have a deep passion for the game. Whether it's the Azkals or the Ceres football team playing, I know that Panaad will be full. We are just as synonymous with football as we are with MassKara,” Puentevella said.

He also reminded that Group F regional qualifier of the 3 rd PFF Smart National Club Championship will be played in Panaad starting tomorrow until Sunday with defending champion Ceres FC facing the teams from Iloilo, Capiz, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.*

source:http://www.visayandailystar.com