MANILA -- Reigning Philippine Football League (PFL) champion Ceres Negros will have to start its quest for a domestic double against two heavily-retooled opponents in the group stages of the Copa Paulino Alcantara, which kicks off on Sept. 1.
Negros headlines Group A, but joining the multi-titled squad is another former top tier league champ in Laguna and upstart Davao, easily making the trio the "group of death".
On the other hand, Iloilo, which recently locked in the silver medal in the league, will lead Group B, which also has long-time rival Cebu and Marikina.
A doubleheader will take place at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on opening night.
Iloilo and Cebu will collide in the first game of the Sept. 1 twinbill at 4 p.m., while Negros and Davao will lock horns in the nightcap at 7 p.m.
The tournament will also make stops at the Biñan Football Stadium in Biñan City, Laguna and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
The tournament will start with a double round robin group stage phase with the top two teams entering the crossover semifinals. The winners of the knockout games will clash in the championship game at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Oct. 27.
The grand winner of the Copa will book a seat in next year's Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup. However, Iloilo has an extra lifeline of sorts.
Should Negros, which has already sealed a place in the AFC Champions League qualifiers, go on to complete the season sweep, Iloilo, being the league runner-up, will move on to the AFC Cup. (PNA)
