BOTTOM-scraping in Group G of the 2018 AFC Cup group play phase, Global Cebu FC tries to wiggle out of its struggles and come up with a victory as it hosts Yangon United FC today at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Holding a 0-1-2 record after three matches in its grouping, currently fourth in the group, Global takes on undefeated group leader Yangon United (3-0-0) needing the full three points that go with a win to stay in contention for a spot in the next round.
A loss could well mean the campaign for the Cebu-based football club, which finished runner-up in the inaugural season of the Philippines Football League.
The two teams met last time around on March 7, with Yangon winning, 3-0, on its home turf.
Former Global player Sekou Sylla was a thorn on his former team, accounting for two of Yangon’s three goals in the second half that gave it the win.
Global had its chances to get on the board early in the contest but its attempts, care of Dominic Del Rosario and Darryl Roberts, failed to punch through.
The loss was a huge blow for Global, which prior to the match was looking to bag the win to give its cause some needed boost.
Set back anew, Global coach Marjo Allado said they remain hopeful that the tide would swing their way from here on, beginning in today’s game.
“All is not lost for us. I am still hopeful of our chances but we need to score goals and we need to win all our remaining matches to advance,” said Mr. Allado.
The match between Global and Yangon is set for 7:30 p.m.
As per tournament format, in the group stage only the top team is assured of automatic qualification to the next round with the team with the best runner-up record among the rest of the groupings in the end advancing as well. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
