Azkals Prevailed Against PFF Suzuki U23 Champion Ceres-Negros in a Suzuki-sponsored match in Panaad Stadium

The Philippine National Men’s Football Team emerged victorious in an exhibition game against the First Ceres-Negros Team held at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod last September 13, 2011.

With a 3-1 finish, the two teams played at their best signifying the kick-off of the Negros Football League (NFL) games which will start on September 17 in Panaad.

The Negros football event is spearheaded by NFL Chairman Rafael “Juni” Lizares in support to the sports development program of Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. with the cooperation of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

Mark Hartman scored two points while Ian Araneta, member of the “Suzuki Hometown Heroes,” scored the second goal marking the victory for Team Azkals. The Hometown Heroes are Suzuki-supported local players from Team Azkals, other members include Chieffy Caligdong, Roel Gener, Yannick Tuazon, and Paolo Pascual who came from Visayas and Mindanao. They were chosen to be the face of Suzuki to highlight the Filipino roots of recognized and rising local football talents.

The Ceres-Negros team on the other hand gave the Azkals a hard fight, even Azkals Head Coach Hans Michael Weiss admitted in a press conference after the match that the Ceres put up a tough game.

Team Azkals first displayed their flair in football when they represented the country in last year’s Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup while the Ceres-Negros Team bagged the Philippine Football Federation (PFF)-Suzuki U23 National Cup.

The two teams started in Suzuki led football cups, although the Azkals and the Ceres already shine in the field, Suzuki promised to continue supporting not only these established players but also other homegrown football and motorsports racing talents.

Suzuki Hometown Hero Paolo Pascual guarding the post for the Azkals.				Ian Araneta, scoring the 2nd goal for Team Azkals.

				Another Hometown Hero, Roel Gener - in action.