BAGUIO CITY—Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has ruled himself out of the second leg of the Philippines’ AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series against Mongolia on March 15 in Ulan Bator.

With the group qualifying in Myanmar also scheduled March 20 to 31, the 21-year-old Etheridge will be away from his home club, Fulham of the English Premiere League, for close to three weeks, if the Azkals overcome the Mongolians.

This prompted the London-based Etheridge to skip the second leg, where the Azkals will be protecting a 2-nil advantage they earned at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod two weeks ago.

Etheridge confirmed his absence in a message to the Inquirer yesterday and expressed confidence that his replacement, Eduard Sacapano, is more than capable of manning the goal for the Azkals.

The 30-year-old member of the Philippine Army, who debuted for the national side in the AFF Cup qualifying against Timor Leste five years ago in Bacolod, is relishing the opportunity to make the start.

“No doubt, Neil (Etheridge) is always a big factor for us because of his experience and his skills,” said the Bago City-born Sacapano. “But I’m always ready to take on the challenge if I get the opportunity.”

The other players doubtful for the second leg are Rob Gier and Simon and Chris Greatwich, who are both based in the United States.

The Azkals’ German coach Hans Michael Weiss is confident the 5-foot-9 Sacapano will be able to deliver a solid performance in the second leg.

“From the beginning when I saw him here I was impressed with his performance,” said Weiss.

“He has already featured in several warm-up matches before the Mongolia match and he did his job fantastically. And now with the match ahead, I have no problems bringing him and I am sure he will deliver.”

Despite their advantage from the first leg and the talk of the Azkals already preparing for the second round of qualifying in Myanmar, Weiss said he is not looking past Mongolia.

“I am always in favor of bringing the strongest team but in this case when we can’t have everyone especially Neil then we go with Eduard and I’m not talking about Myanmar yet.”

Cedelf Tupas, Phil. Daily Inquirer