Arda Cinkir (left) and Marius Kore (right) of Cebu Football Club pose for a photo after scoring a goal in their Copa Paulino Alcantara match against Mendiola FC. | Photo from the PFL
CEBU CITY, Philippines— After their lopsided defeat against Macarthur FC in Australia, the Cebu Football Club (CFC) went back into their winning ways by beating Mendiola FC, 4-1, in the second leg of the Copa Paulino Alcantara of the Philippines Football League (PFL) on Monday, October 9, 2023, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The victory secured Cebu Football Club the semifinals slot in the ongoing tournament.
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How Gentle Giants won
The Gentle Giants vented their frustrations against the hapless Mendiola during the match.
It can be recalled that Cebu FC bowed to Macarthur FC, 1-8, in their first match of the AFC Cup in Sydney, Australia.
This time, they found themselves on the winning side. Rintaro Hama, the lone scorer in their defeat against the Aussies, scored the first goal at the 20th minute on Monday’s match.
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2-0 lead going into second half
Eventual “Man of the Match” Jeremiah Borlongan made a timely pass to Hama who broke through Mendiola’s defense to slot their first goal at the 20th minute.
Papu Corsame perfectly lobbed a pass to Togashi who swiftly strike the ball to put them ahead 2-0, in the 27th minute.
The Gentle Giants went into halftime with a commanding 2-0 lead.
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Davao Agilas next
In the second half, Borlongan orchestrated another impressive attack for Cebu FC, resulting to a 70th minute for their club’s top scorer Arda Cinkir of Turkey, putting them ahead 3-0.
John Marquez, prevented Mendiola FC a shutout game after scoring an 86th minute goal.
However, Cinkir answered him with an 89th minute goal, which ultimately sealed the Gentle Giants’ victory.
Cebu FC will square off against Davao Aguilas in the two-leg semifinals on October 19.