CEBU FC is up against Phnom Penh Crown FC in its debut in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup on Sept. 21, 2023 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Cebu FC looks to continue its unbeaten streak this year by winning its first match in an international tournament. The Gentle Giants are currently on a hot streak and haven’t lost a single match this year, which includes wins over Philippines Football League (PFL) champion Kaya FC-Iloilo and Azkals Development Team.
Cebu FC is currently competing in the 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara and just advanced to the next round after winning all four of its matches in Group B.
Cebu FC has made huge changes this year following the departure of its head coach Mehmet Kakil and star midfielder Mert Altinöz.
Cebu FC acquired the services of American coach Joshua Schirmer and made some good signings. The club brought back strikers Arda Çinkir and Chima Uzoka. Cebu FC also inked Japanese wingers Rintaro Hama and Ken Murayama, and Turkish defender Göktug Demiroglu.
Phnom Penh Crown FC is currently ranked third in the Cambodian League behind Svay Rieng FC and Visakha FC. Phnom Penh Crown FC won its last four matches, two in the AFC Cup against Laos’ Young Elephant FC and Singapore’s Tampines Rovers.
Phom Penh Crown FC’s international players are 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder Denilson, Colombian attacking midfielder Andres Nieto, Japanese Shintaro Shimizu and Yudai Ogawa.
Cebu FC is in Group F with Phnom Penh Crown FC, Australian club Macarthur FC and Myanmar National League leader Shan United. / EKA