Ange Kouame to join Meralco for EASL amid Justin Brownlee’s absence

Ange Kouame is set to join the Meralco Bolts alongside import Sina Vahedi in the EASL Home and Away Season 3 in Ilagan, Isabela.

Head coach Lugi Trillo revealed that the two had already practiced with the team in recent says but have not been fully integrated with the team’s system.

The team will decide whether Kouame or Vahedi will suit up for Meralco by Friday.

“We have until the day before the game to decide during the manager’s meeting to submit our lineup,” Trillo said.

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Former Blue Eagles Thirdy Ravena, Ange Kouame, and Dave Ildefonso, along with current Ateneo Blue Eagles player Kymani Ladi, will represent the Philippines in the 2025 SEA Games.

One Big Fight, Gilas Pilipinas! 🏀🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/u91tRBnUvN

— ً 🥢 (@jianfics) October 25, 2025

Kouame’s inclusion comes after Justin Brownlee was unable to come to practice and play for the Bolts due to pneumonia.

Brownlee was allowed by his PBA team, Barangay Ginebra San Migue,l to take part in the EASL for Meralco but was eventually replaced after failing to make an appearance.

Meralco is still winless with a 0-2 win-loss slate in the season after faltering to the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, 82-72, last Sunday.

Kouame had stints with Meralco in the EASL last 2023, and will bolster the Bolts, alongside Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, as they play in front of a home crowd for the first time.

Meanwhile, Brownlee’s status is also uncertain for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers this November to December.

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