Leylam FC to represent Phl in amateur football world finals

CEBU, Philippines- Leylam FC will take on a mission no other Cebu team has ever done before - represent the country in the world championships.

That is the next big thing for Leylam FC to do after it defeated Bicol's Aspire FC, 1-0, to dominate the all-amateur Football Fives World Championships (F5WC) Philippine Finals yesterday at the Gatorade Chelsea FC Blue Pitch in Makati City.

Leylam actually fielded in two teams in the national finals.

Leylam B, composed of Alex Buanhog Jr., Ranulfo Colina, Ruffy Llorente, Michael Pacite, Jaime Pedoroso Jr., Carlo Tacusalme and Ugur Tasci, one of the team owners, completed a three-game sweep in the elimination round.

The wards of coach Oliver Colina opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over MCFC-A. After winning by default over Cagayan de Oro, Leylam-B scored a lopsided 6-1 victory against the Manila Metros A. They then beat MCFC-B, 3-1, to barge into the semifinals.

Leylam-B advanced to the championship round after kicking out the Manila Tigers, 3-1. An all-Cebu finals, however, did not materialize after Leylam-A was crushed by the Aspire squad, 2-0.

In the final, Michael Pacite converted the game-winner with only four minutes left in the 20-minute battle. Leylam, thus, earned the right to represent the Philippines to the F5WC World Championships in Dubai next month.

"It was a tough finals, but our players did everything they can. Our training paid off well but we are also thankful to all those who supported and prayed for us in our bid," said Colina. (FREEMAN)