CEBU, Philippines - Playing their first home game in the Visayas leg of the PFF Suzuki Cup Under-23 Football Tournament was a moment to forget for the Cebuano booters as they bowed to Iloilo, 1-0, yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
The two protagonists went scoreless in the first half, with host Cebu focusing more on defense that it almost forgot on attacking the Ilonggo visitors.
After a lull in the second half, Iloilo was able to sneak out at the side unnoticed and eventually scored at the 60th minute.
Cebu coach Joselito Bono egged on his wards to bounce back since they still have a lot of time left, but all their efforts went for naught.
“Wala lagi atake ang mga bata, kuwang pa gyud. Na-focus man nuon sila sa depensa mao to wala na noon ka-score,” said Bono.
Despite the loss, Cebu stayed at second spot with four points on one win, one draw and one loss. They are just two points away from the pace-setting Negros Occidental Football Association.
The tournament follows a double round robin format wherein the winners will be determined via points.
The top three finishers of the Visayas leg will advance to the National Championships later this year in Manila. (FREEMAN)