El Habib keys Global rout of Socceroo

MANILA, Philippines - Sudanese striker Izzo El Habib unloaded four goals as reigning League champion Global destroyed Team Socceroo, 11-0, to snatch the solo lead in Group A in the United Football League Cup at the Nomads grounds Sunday night.

El Habib, who led Global with 13 goals in their League title conquest early this year, opened up the scoring with an 11th minute rocket and followed it up with two more goals to complete a hat-trick as early as the first half. Global led, 6-0, at the turn.

Still, Global remained on attack mode with El Habib scoring his fourth goal six minutes into the final half that all but wrapped up the victory that sent Global to the top of Group A with seven points on two wins and a draw.

General Trias also has seven points but Global had a better goal differential, 13-7.

El Habib’s solid performance also put him on top in the most goals race, two ahead of teammate Alex Obiang and Kaya’s Fil-Am striker Nate Burkey, who both have three.

Obiang scored all his goals against Team Socceroo in the 19th, 35th and 88th minute in a solid backup to El Habib.

Other goal-scorers for Global were Romeu Waltrick Rodrigues (26th), Jerry Barbaso (77th) and Fidelis Nnabiufe (82nd, 90th).

Team Socceroo took its second straight defeat and fell to fifth and last spot.

Meanwhile, the UFL goes to Marikina City today as Stallion Penson FC clashes with Sta. Lucia FC at 5:15 p.m. and Nomads tangles with Pachanga FC at 7:30 p.m. at the Marikina Sports Complex.