Kaya FC–Iloilo and Global Cebu Share the Spoils in Six-Goal Thriller
Global Cebu 3-3 Kaya FC–Iloilo
Rizal Memorial Stadium
September 23, 2018; Manila — Sunday night in the Copa Paulino Alcantara was a thrilling rollercoaster affair in Group B. Kaya FC–Iloilo overcame the early dismissal of Eric Giganto to earn a hard fought 3-3 draw with Global Cebu, coming from behind on three occasions to ensure the points were shared.
Joshua Beloya had Global ahead just five minutes into the contest, stunning a Kaya side that had not conceded in its first two outings in the cup competition. It then turned from bad to worse for Iloilo when Eric Giganto lashed out after a meaty foul from Jordan Jarvis. Giganto was handed a straight red for his reaction, forcing Kaya to play the remaining 70 minutes with ten men.
It was a painful blow to take for Kaya, but the ensuing free kick lessened the impact. From a deep lying position, Miguel Tanton’s free kick sailed over the crowd in the box and straight past a startled Jun Badelic in goal to level the score. Although both sides had clear opportunities to take the lead, the game remained tied at the break.
The second half offered even more drama. Shortly after the restart, former Kaya player, Charlie Beaton, skipped away from Mike Menzi and calmly slotted the ball into the net to retake the lead for Global. The scoreboard had barely been changed before Jovin Bedic peeled away on the left side and delivered a perfect cross for Robert Lopez Mendy to tap in. 2-2.
Parity only lasted five minutes, however, as Jordan Jarvis thumped in a header from a corner kick to give Cebu the lead for a third time. Lopez Mendy responded in kind not long after, heading in a Tanton corner to reestablish the balance.
Iloilo had several chances to get the go-ahead but both Bedic and Lopez Mendy were unable to capitalize. The result gave Global Cebu their first point of the Copa Paulino Alcantara, a timely boost ahead of their final group match against JPV Marikina on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Kaya remained undefeated in Group B, with seven points after three outings.
