UC-BRO dethrones QCU

To face Leylam in men's open final of Aboitiz Cup this pm

CEBU, Philippines - Queen City United's title defense came crashing down after it lost to the Nigerian-powered University of Cebu-BRO Nationals, 2-0, in the men's open semifinals of the 16th Aboitiz Football Cup yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

Christopher Ngwata broke the ice of the match at the 26th, while Famous Eneaibataram sealed UC-BRO's win with another goal at the 82nd.

"We're very happy and honored to have challenged and won against the best team in Cebu (QCU). This is due to teamwork and preparations of the team. A lot of motivation has to be given to the individual players considering that the team is composed of Nigerians," said UC-BRO Nationals coach Glenn Ramos.

UC-BRO, thus, set up an exciting championship showdown with Leylam FC at 3 p.m. today. Leylam advanced into the gold medal round after pulling off a 2-1 squeaker over Samba FC.

Samba actually drew the first blood, with Samuel Drulge finding the back of the net at the 46th. After nice defensive stops from both teams that lasted for nearly 40 minutes, Leylam man aged to squeeze in the equalizer at the 81st.

Taking advantage of the situation, former national team member Oliver Colina knocked in another goal for Leylam at the 82nd to wrap up the match.

  "If we win tomorrow (today), we consider it as a bonus because what we have achieved so far is already enough. But we still give it a try," said Colina, who tapped the services of Elying Toledo to call the shots for the team as Aboitiz rules prohibit anyone from playing and coaching at the same time.

It will be a grudge rematch of sort as UC-BRO crushed Leylam, 3-1, during their championship duel in the inaugural Don Bosco Football League last month.

Aside from proceeding into the men's open final, Leylam also got a second runner-up trophy in the  Under-18 age group after it shackled Canduman FC, 7-3. The Under-18 final battle scheduled today pits the Don Bosco Technology Center against PAREF-Springdale.

In the other game, DBTC slammed the Dynamo FC, 6-1, to clinch the Under-13 crown. Jascha Tabar and Christian Agot led DBTC's charge wih two goals each, while Luis Colina and Justin Ramirez contributed the remaining two goals. Paulo Abalos logged the only goal for Dynamo FC.

Newly-hired Philippine Azkals head coach Tomas Dooley and team manager Dan Palami are expected to grace today's finale of the Aboitiz Cup. (FREEMAN)