Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez finally unleashed his deadly striking form, scoring three of Global Cebu FC’s four goals Thursday night giving the Cebuano squad its second straight win with a 4-3 triumph over Stallions Laguna FC in the Philippines Football League (PFL) at the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila.
It was the 12th win for Global Cebu FC, ensuring its entry into the semifinal round as it stayed in fourth place with 43 points. The team also had six losses and seven draws.
If they remained in fourth spot with two games left in the elimination round, they will most likely face league leader Meralco Manila Sparks which has 54 points (16-3-6 win-loss-draw) while second placer Kaya Makati FC will meet third placed Ceres Negros FC.
Kaya Makati has 47 points (14-8-5) while Ceres Negros has 45 (14-4-3).
Stallions Laguna dropped to fifth with 32 points following its loss to Global Cebu. It has eight victories and 11 defeats with eight draws.
A win is worth three points while a draw is worth one.
The Stallions gave Global Cebu a huge scare after Filipino forward Yannick Tuason broke the scoring ice with a goal in the 12th minute. Sanchez evened the score at the 30th minute as the opening half ended with a, 1-1 score.
In the second half, Sanchez gave Global Cebu a 2-1 lead with a goal in the 48th minute, but Korean defender Ko Kyungjoon tied the count at 2-2, with a 61st minute goal.
In the 68th minute, Tuason regained the lead for the Stallions, 3-2, but Global Cebu’s Brazilian defender Wesley Dos Santos answered with a booming goal in the 89th minute to again tie the score at, 3-3.
In the three-minute extension, Sanchez canned the winning goal for Global Cebu’s heart-stopping win.
On Sunday, Global Cebu FC travels up north to meet Ilocos United FC in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Global beat Ilocos United FC, 3-2 last Sunday at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
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