Global FC’s 3-goal surge repels JDT

MANILA, Philippines -  Global FC hacked out a vengeful 3-2 victory over fancied Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to surge past its victim in the Group F ladder of the AFC Cup in front of delighted home supporters at Rizal Memorial Wednesday night.

Making the most of the chance for payback three weeks after absorbing a 0-4 defeat at JDT’s territory, the People’s Club returned the favor and used a three-goal spree in the first half to lay the foundation for the upset against the 2015 titlists.

Dennis Villanueva (27’) scored from close range then Shu Sasaki (32’) connected on a breakaway and defender Amani Aguinaldo (35’) finished a counter in a frenetic eight-minute sequence that gave Global a 3-nil cushion.

The Southern Tigers turned up the heat in the second half with Gabriel Guerra blasting home in the 48th and 83rd but the People’s Club held on to seal the triumph that lifted them to the summit of the group with nine points.

JDT got stuck with seven points and dropped to second with two matches left in the group stage.

“Very big three points for us,” said Global coach Toshiaki Imai after his wards boosted their shot at advancing to the Asean Zone semis. “The first half performance was very good.”

In the other game over in Yangon, home side Magwe pounced on a defensive miscue by Beoungket Angkor of Cambodia to salvage a 1-1 draw.

The Cambodian team remained at third with four points while Magwe stayed in the bottom with two markers.