Cebu FC kicks off its campaign in the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup in an away match against Kasuka FC on Friday night, Aug. 8, 2025, at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
Cebu FC earned a spot in the Shopee Cup after winning the Philippines Football League (PFL) Final Series with a 1-0 win over Manila Digger FC last May in Parañaque City.
The Gentle Giants, however, are fielding a totally different squad after losing most of its key players. Among those who have left the Glen Ramos-led side are Ace Villanueva, Guytho Mijland, Rintaro Hama, Ryoo Togashi, Goktug Demiroglu, Kainoa Bailey, Hiromasa Ishikawa, and Gabriel Silva.
Cebu FC faces a formidable opponent in Kasuka FC, which won back-to-back titles in the Brunei Super League.
Kasuka FC edged out DPMM II to win its second Brunei Super League title, finishing with 37 points — just one point clear at the top of the standings.
To strengthen its lineup for the regional competition, Kasuka FC re-signed Ivorian defensive midfielder Adama Coulibaly and signed Brazilian right back Pedrinho, Nigerian striker Jacob Njoku, Japanese central midfielder Daisuke Kobayashi, and Brazilian center back Maycom.
Kasuka FC is also currently competing in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge League.
Cebu FC will meet Kasuka FC again in the second leg on Aug. 15, 2025, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. / EKA