Global looks to maintain its AFC Cup group lead
GLOBAL Cebu FC returns to the pitch today in Malaysia for Match Day 3 in Group F of the AFC Cup, taking on home team Johor Darul Ta’Zim (JDT) and eyeing to maintain its hold of group leadership.
Going 2-of-2 so far in the group stage of this year’s edition of the continent’s second-tier club football championship, the “People’s Club” is angling to stay on top of things as it faces off with currently second-running JDT (1-1-0) at the latter’s Stadium Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Yunos in Johor Baru at 8:30 p.m.
Global enters today contest coming off a 2- 0 away win last week over Cambodia’s Beoungket Angkor FC, where veteran midfielder Paul Mulders scored a brace (5’, 65’) to lead his team to its second straight win.
Prior to that, Global defeated Mangwe FC, 1-0, at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in its first game.
While it is off to a strong start, Global remains mindful not to get too caught up with it and instead is focusing its attention on improving and winning its next assignments.
“I’m happy with the results so far but we must continue to improve, particularly our conditioning,” said Global coach Toshiaki Imai following their latest win.
DRAW LAST TIME AROUND
Out to stop Global’s run is JDT which is to looking to get back to winning after being held to a 1-1 draw by Mangwe in its last game.
JDT, the 2015 AFC champion, looked on its way to a second straight win in Group F when midfielder Ramachandra Gopninathan scored in the 27th minute of the match.
But home team Mangwe would equalize late in the game with forward Sylla Sekou knocking in a goal in the 89th minute, forcing the draw.
Meanwhile, the two other teams in Group F, Mangwe (0-1-1) and Beoungket Angkor ( 0- 0- 2) also collide today in Yangon.
In the AFC Cup, Global is aiming for at least a solid top two finish in its group to advance to the next round of the tournament. —