The Ateneo de Manila men’s football team announced the other day that their top winger and playmaker, player number 7 Dov Cariño  was called up by the Philippine Football Federation as part of the under-22 national football team that will compete in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

The call-up was issued as the defending champions are in a six-team logjam for the final four race in the UAAP men’s football tournament, with two games left in their schedule.

This means Cariño will skip all the games against the University of the East on April 27 and De La Salle University on May 4.

Ateneo head coach JP Merida told Fullcourtfresh.com saying the loss of Cariño was “not an excuse” for their lost on Sunday against the resurgent University of Santo Tomas.

“It is a national duty,” Merida commented about Cariño’s international stint.

Joining Cariño in Cambodia is La Sallian starting goalkeeper Enrico Mangoang, who is a part of the Azkals Development Team pool.

The national team will play their opener against Indonesia on April 29 and their final group stage match against Myanmar on May 10.

If the Junior Azkals qualify for the semifinals, Cariño and Mangoang might miss the possible final four and the championship matches of their schools.

“It’s a very tough challenge for the coaching staff. He is very important for the season but it is the national team, wala sa akin na mag-hold ng players even in this very important season. But playing for your flag, that is very important,” Merida commented about this possibility.

The defending champions are currently at second place in Season 85 with 17 tournament points (five wins, two losses, and three draws).

Like them, current third placer La Salle lost Sunday’s match against Far Eastern University, with alternate keeper Mig Brisoto replacing Mangaoang.