Kaya, Global settle for draw in Copa Paulino

KAYA FC- Iloilo overcame the early ejection of Eric Giganto to elicit a thrilling 3- 3 draw with Global Cebu FC and remain unbeaten in the 2018 Copa Paulino Alcantara on Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.

Playing with only 10 men for 70 minutes after striker Giganto’s dismissal at the half- hour mark, the semifinalbound Lions fought valiantly to share the spoils with the People’s Club and maintain an undefeated record.

With the stalemate, Kaya Iloilo stayed atop Group B with seven points on two wins and a draw while Global Cebu notched its first point in three matches and kept its playoff hopes alive.

The Cebu- based club also produced a better performance after suffering a 0- 4 whipping to the Iloilo squad in the opening match day last September 1.

Global fired off the goalfest just five minutes into the contest as former Philippine Azkals standout Joshua Beloya stunned Kaya’s defense that had not conceded in its first two games in the cup competition.

The Ilonggos’ night turned from bad to worse with Giganto punished with a straight red card for a violent reaction on a tackle by Cebuano defender Jordan Jarvis.

Miguel Tanton reduced the damage of Giganto’s sending off as the veteran midfielder buried the ensuing free kick to forge a deadlock in the 24th minute.

Charlie Beaton beat his defender for a breakaway goal, restoring the lead for Global in the 56th but Robert Lopez Mendy connected with captain Jovin Bedic ’s well- placed cross to push Kaya level again just two minutes later.

Jarvis nodded in a corner kick to give the People’s Club the advantage anew, 3- 2, halfway through the second half.

Eager to preserve their immaculate slate, the Lions equalized with 17 minutes left in the regulation via league top striker Lopez Mendy’s header off Tanton’s corner delivery.