Undermanned Global draws Ilocos, 3-3

Just left with a roster of 13 players, Global Cebu FC salvaged a 3-3 draw with Ilocos United FC last Wednesday in the Philippines Football League (PFL) at the Quirino Stadium in Vigan.

Global Cebu FC fielded a depleted line as six of its players--mostly starters--were called to the Azkals match against Nepal in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup qualifiers. The team missed skipper Misagh Bahadoran, star keeper Patrick Deyto, Paul Mulders, Paolo Salenga, Hikaru Minegishi and Dennis Villanueva.

Bench players like goalkeeper John Loyd Bastasa and Fritz Brigolo got a rare start, while Cebuano John Roy Melgo and Darryl Regala were the only substitutes.

Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez got Global going early on with the opening goal in the eighth minute. Former Global striker Arthur Kouassi scored the equalizer in the 32nd minute with a penalty shot.

Charlie Beaton quickly put Ilocos up ahead with a goal 10 minutes later for a 2-1 halftime lead for Ilocos.

Eight minutes in the second half , Darryl Roberts hit the equalizer for Global. Kennedy Uzoka answered back with a goal in the 67th minute to give Ilocos the lead again. Roberts, however, scored his brace in the 76th to force a 3-3 draw.

Global remained at fourth place, just two points behind third ranked Kaya FC-Makati and nine points ahead of fifth place Stallion Laguna FC.

FC Meralco Manila is still at the top with 54 points, while Ceres Negros FC is second with 52 points. /