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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Returnee Daisuke Sato pins high hopes in Azkals' bid for spot at 2027 AFC Asian Cup

Returnee Daisuke Sato pins high hopes in Azkals' bid for spot at 2027 AFC Asian Cup

Published Mar 19, 2026 12:02 pm

At A Glance

  • Sato, 31, was recently named as part of the Nationals' 23-player list that unveiled by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), joining fellow returnee Patrick Deyto alongside Sandro Reyes, Kevin Mendoza, Anami Aguinaldo, Manny Ott, Bjorn Kristensen, and Raphael Obermair, to name a few.
The Philippine men's football team
The Philippine men's football team
Two years since he last donned the country’s colors, defender Daisuke Sato returns to the Philippine men’s national team roster, brimming with pride and high hopes ahead of its crucial tiff against hometown Tajikistan in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at Hisor Central Stadium on March 31.
Sato, 31, was recently named as part of the Nationals’ 23-player list that unveiled by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), joining fellow returnee Patrick Deyto alongside Sandro Reyes, Kevin Mendoza, Anami Aguinaldo, Manny Ott, Bjorn Kristensen, and Raphael Obermair, to name a few.
The Davao City native relished the honor, expressing pure excitement after being called up anew to represent the national team.
“It's such an honor. It's the biggest honor for me. I'm very happy to be back. I prepared those last two years for this moment,” said Sato during the GoTyme Bank-Visa partnership launching of their limited edition debit cards, which could serve as raffle chances for fans who want to witness the 2026 FIFA World Cup in person, at Whitespace Manila in Makati Wednesday, March 18.
“I knew that it was coming, finally it's here, finally the moment is here. In this crucial time, I'm very happy to represent the country,” he added.
With all their might and will, the Filipino bets (4-1) must win over the Tajik booters (4-1) in their upcoming match after both squads tied in Group A with 13 points.
If the stars align for the Philippines, it would mark its second stint in the continental showpiece where powerhouse Asian countries in host Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, China, and more await.
It can be remembered that the Carles Cuadra-guided crew hosted its first encounter with Tajikistan at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac last June. In the end, the two squads settled for a draw, 2-2.
“Definitely I have a big job right now to bring the team to the Asian Cup. Of course it's up to the coach if I play or not. It doesn't matter. Our goal is to go to the Asian Cup, bring the Philippines back to the Asian Cup,” Sato continued. 
“For that, I will do everything I can, the best way I can to help the team… Thinking about the squad, I think we have a big chance to make it to the Asian Cup. But I don't want to say big chance,” he added.
The country’s most recent qualification in the meet was in 2019 where former skipper Stephan Schrock scored the historic lone goal for the Azkals.
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