The Azkals Development Team and Mendiola FC 1991 fight for the last semifinal seat in the Copa Paulino Alcantara on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Both clubs look to shrug off their disappointing defeats to Group B winner Kaya-Iloilo as they aim to extend their campaign in the final match of the group stage scheduled at 7:30 p.m.
At stake is an encounter with Stallion-Laguna, the top team in Group A, in the semis on November 16.
Advantage will be on ADT as a draw would be enough for the developmental side to progress into the semis on goal difference.
ADT lost 2-0 to Kaya in the Copa opener last November 7 after allowing both goals in the second half.
Mendiola was battered 6-0 by the same club three days later which left them no other option but to come away with the full three points.
Coach Jovanie Villagracia is expected to lean on Jarvey Gayoso, Oliver Bias, Yrick Gallantes, Dennis Chung, Oskari Kekkonen and Sandro Reyes in ADT’s bid to reach the knockout stage of the cup tournament.
Players like Ashley Flores, Iranian veteran Hamed Hajimehdi and Aaron Altiche are out to equal Mendiola’s semifinal appearance in the last Copa edition in 2019.
ADT beat Mendiola, 2-0, during last year’s Philippines Football League season with Gayoso and Matthew Custodio supplying the goals.