Bacolod keeps 2-goal advantage

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Bacolod regained its two-goal advantage against Iloilo in their two-leg duel for the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Suzuki U23 National Cup title after the PFF had a change of heart on Iloilo’s protest against Bacolod’s 3-1 victory in extra time in the opener.

The PFF on Saturday afternoon ruled in favor of Iloilo’s protest, nullifying the extension periods played in that first leg and eventually reverting to the full-time count of 1-1. But after another marathon discussion with the concerned parties Saturday night, the federation reversed its previous decision and let Bacolod’s 3-1 triumph stay.

“Last Saturday, the PFF Competitions Committee initially overruled the decision to continue the extension period,” the PFF said in a statement yesterday.

“But upon futher and careful consideration with Team Negros Occidental Football Association and Team Iloilo Football Association, and in the spirit of fair play, it was ultimately decided and agreed by all parties that the final score of 3-1 during May 19 (first leg), with all corresponding cautions and suspensions still stands,” it added.

As such, Bacolod-Negros Occidental headed into the second leg with its two-goal advantage intact. This match was being played at presstime at the Panaad pitch.

Likewise, with the questioned extension periods now accepted, the red cards slapped on two Iloilo players, goalkeeper Wilson Muñoz at defender Rhante Bayquin, stays, leading to their automatic suspension in the second outing.

The heated rivalry between the football powerhouses has reached the boardroom after the Ilonggo booters questioned the legality of the two extra 15 minutes played following a 1-1 draw at full-time. It was during that extension that Negros made its winning goals.

Iloilo withdrew the protest, eventually accepting the original result of the first leg and their tall task of having to beat host Bacolod by three goals in the second encounter to win the title.