MANILA, Philippines - Caliraya FC scored back-to-back wins in the last day of the qualifying round to emerge the top team and tow three others in the finals of the Rexona-Republic Cup.
Striker Jerwin Ngo scored off a pass from Philip Zemmen in the 14th minute of Caliraya’s game against Salcedo FC, which proved to be the game’s only goal as Caliraya beat Salcedo FC, 1-0.
The team then pulled off a similar 1-0 decision over Urdaneta Tarsiers, with Ngo again scoring his team’s lone goal.
Caliraya finished the elimination round with eight wins and 1 draw against a single loss.
It will meet fourth-ranked Makati Titans Saturday in the semifinals of the tournament sponsored by Rexona, and supported by Balls TV, Belo Essentials, The Bar, Molten, and IL Ponticello.
Tangling in the other semifinal game are the No. 2 Tarsiers and No. 3 Loyola Agila, with similar 5- 4-1 slates. The Tarsiers absorbed straight losses at the hands of Makati Titans and Caliraya last weekend.
Titan Anton del Rosario scored all his team’s three goals, including the winning one on the 36th minute to complete a hat trick. Kenji Inukai and Chuppy Celdran scored a goal each for the Tarsiers.
The winners will advance to the finals right after the semifinals.
For details of the tournament including the league’s top scorers, log on to www.republic/cup.com