Will it be Leylam FC or the ERCO BRO-Green Archers United (GAU) FC?
That question will be finally answered today as the much-awaited men’s open championships of the 17th Aboitiz Football Cup gets underway at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) football pitch.
Both teams are expected to field in their strongest roster in their quest for the coveted title but ERCO-BRO GAU FC may have the upper-hand after it got the services of some top players from the United Football League (UFL).
The Green Archers’ key acquisitions include former Azkals team captain Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong and former Azkals striker Ian Araneta, who are both from GAU FC.
ERCO BRO also brought in Mark Ferrer along with fellow GAU FC booters Ronnie Aguisanda and Reynald Villareal and Manila All-Japan’s Allan Auman.
Leylam FC will rely on Ryan Bordalba, Richard Cañedo, Alex Buanghog, Ranulfo Colina, Ruffy Llorenta, Carlo Tacusalme and Michael Pacite.
Giving the team a much-needed firepower are foreign players Abdulmalik Ismael, Prince and Madi Nji.
History favors with ERCO BRO as it beat Leylam FC for the same crown last year. ERCO BRO was then reinforced by Nigerian players after it partnered with the University of Cebu (UC).
Leylam FC was considered last year’s dark horse, coming up with a surprising performance to make it to the championship match.
The championship showdown will start at 7 p.m. The title match was originally scheduled last June 28 but had to be moved to another date due to bad weather.