Negros Occidental, Davao book semis slots in U-22 football tiff

BACOLOD CITY – Brandishing superb attacking play, host Negros Occidental and Davao hacked out convincing victories yesterday to clinch semifinal seats in the PFF Smart Under-22 Amateur Football Championships here.

Underlining their tag as favorites, the Negrenses dumped North Cotabato, 3-0, at North Field in Talisay City, while Davao unleashed its might with a 10-0 destruction of Camarines Norte at the Panaad Stadium.

Nigerian striker Eli Usman opened the scoring from close range for Negros in the 18th minute, before goals from Jeff Paparon and Cameroonian midfielder Madi Taniform in the second half sealed the rout.

“I’m very happy with the performance,” said Negros coach John Carmona. “It was very convincing but we have to be better with our finishing especially in the next round where teams are stronger and we won’t get a lot of chances.”

Cranking up their attack in the second half, the Negrenses couldn’t cash in on numerous chances as Usman rattled the post on the hour mark while Paparon also saw his effort from point-blank range denied by the bar.

Taniform also arrowed an effort wide, before finally finding the bottom corner with an angled shot from the edge of the area five minutes from time.

Paparon was quickest to react on a scramble inside the area, doubling the advantage in the 58th minute as the North Cotabato defense struggled to clear their lines.

Leo Abunas and Gerald Susuban scored two goals each for Davao as it rolled past an overmatched Camarines Norte side.

Mark Anthony Bugay, James Enegente, Patrick Asoque, Patrick Pacot, Christian Cabantao and John Michael Mendoza also found the back of the net for Davao.

The two other quarterfinal matches are being played as of posting time with Cordillera and Misamis Oriental disputing a semifinal berth, while Bukidnon and Cavite also battle for a place in the Last Four.

Another draw is slated Thursday to determine the semifinal pairings on Friday.