Former Global Cebu Football Club employee Sekou Sylla showed his old employers what they’re missing
The Republic of Guinea native scored twice as he propelled Myanmar National League team Yangon United to a 3-0 victory over Global Cebu, this Wednesday afternoon at the Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, in the 2018 AFC Cup group stage.
The loss is Global’s second in three games, which leaves the club in last place in Group G with one point. On the other hand, Yangon’s third straight victory gives them the top spot with 9 points. Bali United and FLC Thanh Hoa round up Group G with 4 points and 3 points respectively.
The two teams were suspect defensively, which led to good chances to score for both sides. The right post denied Dominic Del Rosario’s attempt, while Yangon striker Sekou Sylla shot narrowly wide when he was through on goal.
Sylla was a constant threat to the Global backline. With just 10 minutes left in the period, the Guinean penetrated the Global box and, instead of passing the ball to one of his teammates, selfishly targeted goal, only to hit the side netting.
It was deep into first half stoppage time when Yangon got the breakthrough. The home side won a free kick in a dangerous position that Lwin Maung Maung took. The midfielder unleashed an audacious strike that left Global goalkeeper Patrick Deyto frozen, meaning Yangon led 1-0 at the break.
Sylla then doubled Yangon’s lead two minutes after the restart. The former Global striker headed Maung Maung’s pass into goal to get on the scoresheet. That was Sylla’s first goal of the game, and he notched his second when he breezed through the Global defense and struck past Deyto in the 57th minute to hand his team a 3-0 edge.
Both clubs later had a man each sent off for incurring their second yellow cards. Defenders Zaw Thein and Marco Casambre were given their marching orders in the 77th and 79th minutes of the contest. Nevertheless, the ejections did not change the face of the game, as Yangon eased to a 3-0 win over Global.
Global and Yangon shall take each other on again for their next AFC Cup assignment. Global will host Yangon this time around, and the game is on March 13, 7:30 PM at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. It is a game that Global must win to revive their hopes of advancing to the next round.
