#SportsBites: Veteran defender and Far Eastern University (FEU) Diliman alum Amani Aguinaldo will play among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) All-Stars squad to face Premier League giants Manchester United in the Maybank Champions Cup tomorrow, May 28, at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Featuring marquee names from across Southeast Asia, the upcoming ASEAN All-Stars match against Manchester United serves not only as a rare showcase of regional talent but a fundraising event for the Al-Sultan Abdullah Foundation.

With an impressive tally of 68 international caps for the Philippines, the FEU-D alum booter continues to make his mark on the global stage.

After helping Rayong FC retain its spot in Thailand’s top division last April 30, the 30-year-old center-back will join fellow Filipino standout Sandro Reyes in the regional selection.

Both Aguinaldo and Reyes were key figures in the Philippines’ breakthrough in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign as the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) reached the semifinals, ending a 50-year drought with a historic win over Thailand.

Following this stint, Aguinaldo and Reyes will rejoin the PMFNT in preparation for a crucial Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup Qualifier against Tajikistan on June 10 at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac.

- Aine Peralta

(Photo courtesy of Patrick Pampilon/FEU Athletics)