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Rodrigo Holgado, América de Cali's top scorer, will miss key Apertura fixtures after being called up by the Malaysian national team.
América de Cali will face a major setback in their push for the Apertura title, as top scorer Rodrigo Holgado will miss the next two decisive matches after being called up by the Malaysian national team.
Although born in Buenos Aires, Holgado, who has netted seven goals so far this campaign, has accepted a call-up to represent Malaysia in the upcoming FIFA international window. He has already left Colombia to join the Asian side, coached by Peter Cklamovski, for a friendly against Cape Verde and a key Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam.
Holgado’s selection comes thanks to his Malaysian heritage through his grandmother, making him eligible to represent the Southeast Asian nation. At nearly 30 years old, this will be his first international appearance after never being capped by Argentina.
While the call-up is a personal milestone, it leaves América de Cali without their attacking talisman for crucial group stage matches against Junior and Deportes Tolima in the quadrangulars. Holgado was the fifth top scorer in the regular phase and a vital figure for the "Escarlatas".
The blow is even greater as América will also be without Luis Ramos, called up by Peru, and Juan Fernando Quintero, who joins the Colombian national team for World Cup qualifiers.
América began the quadrangulars with a 1-1 draw against Independiente Medellín, while their next group rivals, Junior and Tolima, also drew in their opening fixture. Group A remains tightly contested, and the absence of Holgado could prove costly.