Philippine club football’s momentum continues its rise as Global-Cebu Football Club will advance to the next round of the 2017 AFC Cup.
Following Ceres-Negros FC’s progression, Global followed their rivals with goals from Paul Mulders, Hikaru Minegishi and Darryl Roberts for a 3-1 win against Boeungket Angkor FC tonight at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Midfielder Sath Rotib pulled one back for Boeungket in a losing effort.
“First I say thank you to our players, staff and management,” beamed a proud Global coach Toshiaki Imai.
Global were heavy favorites going into the match. The last United Football League champions knew only a win would render all other factors irrelevant in advancing towards the zonal semi-finals of the tourney.
There was a gulf in class between both teams, and that was apparent after just 12 minutes of action. In what was virtually Global’s first attack, Shu Sasaki provided a cross from the right flank which Mulders volleyed home in style to grant the home side the lead.
Boeungket were second-best throughout the contest. The Cambodian club were repelled at every instance in the Global half; in contrast, Global attacked with ease. There was a certain inevitability as to when Global would add to their tally. It took a while, but Minegishi finally did so in the 27th minute with a fine strike.
Substitute striker Germaine Agustien went close to adding another for Global after he replaced former National University forward Paolo Salenga due to the latter’s injury, only for Boeungket goalie Sou Yaty to produce a fine save before the break.
Everything seemed to be going well for Global, which in turn could have led them into being complacent. Boeungket started the second half aggressively and reaped rewards as early as the 50th minute when Rosib turned in a set-piece.
Mulders explained, “Maybe it’s because we were leading 2-0, but I didn’t think we keep our position.”
With the game on the balance, Global regained their composure in order to prevent the tie from being needlessly trickier. Sasaki went close to restoring the home side’s two-goal cushion but he shot straight at Yaty.
Nevertheless, there was no miracle forthcoming for Beoungket. The away side’s fate was sealed deep into stoppage when Roberts rebounded the ball into the net to hand Global a 3-1 victory.
With the win, Global tops Group F with 15 points. A home and away trip against Singapore club Home United is Global’s reward for their endeavors. There is still no declared time and date for the said fixtures.
“Feels good to be on top of the group. I think we made history as a Filipino team with 15 points. It’s good for Filipino football,” shared Mulders.
Global XI: Deyto, Mulders, Villanueva, Aguinaldo, Minegishi, Roberts, Salenga, Sasaki, Casambre, Santos, Barbaso
Boeungket XI: Yaty, Pancharong, Mizuno, Sen, Sothearath, Mizan, Sovannrithy, Vibol, Maycon, Somoeun, Rosib.
