Negros tops Davao, clinches U-22 crown

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Charles Barberan sparkled once again as Negros Occidental overcame Davao, 1-0, to rule the maiden edition of the PFF Smart Under-22 Amateur Football Championship before a huge Sunday crowd at Panaad Stadium.

The 19-year-old Barberan, who also scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Cavite in the semifinals, struck in the 74th minute to lift the Negrenses to a dramatic win in front of a boisterous home crowd. He was later named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

The Negrenses came out strong in the second half, after surviving a few close shaves in the first 45 minutes when Davao had several scoring chances.

“We were erratic in the first half, but the players responded well at halftime,” said Negros coach John Carmona. “It’s nice to get this win at home because we were able to show people we can play some good football.”

Earlier, Cavite secured third place with a 4-0 demolition of Misamis Occidental.

Davao looked like it had the hosts all figured out in the first half, denying Nigerian striker Eli Usman space to operate, even as the visitors threatened with its attacking play in the final third.

The first clear chance came in the sixth minute for Davao when Warren Ravanes who scored four goals against Misamis Occidental in the semifinals, volleyed just over after a cross from the left found him unmarked inside the six yard box.

Davao’s Gerald Susuban also had a free kick from just outside the box denied by Angelo Ledesma in the 31st minute.

On the other end, an unmarked Usman couldn’t get solid contact on his header after a teasing cross from Barberan, leaving the two teams goalless at the break.

Negros pinned Davao in its own half for long periods and the pressure finally paid off in the 74th minute when Usman laid the ball off to Barberan who beat two defenders before slotting the ball home for the game-winning goal.