Ten-man Global FC had to weather a late Kaya FC barrage

Ten-man Global FC had to weather a late Kaya FC barrage to come away with a 3-1 win on Saturday night’s United Football League action at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The win allowed the former League champions to finish in second place despite being level with the Loyola Meralco Sparks at 35 points. Global finished ahead of the Sparks because of a better goal difference: +35 compared to the Sparks’ +20.

It was a dream start for Global as they found the back of the net twice within the first six minutes of the match.

Paolo Salenga scored inside the first minute to put Global ahead. The winger went towards the Kaya box unnoticed and was at the right place at the right time to meet the cross with a header past Nick O’Donnell.

Izo Elhabib could have doubled the lead in the fifth minute from the spot after a foul by Junior Muñoz. The striker took the penalty but O’Donnell went the right way to preserve the one goal advantage.

However Global netted their second goal a minute after. Off a corner, Misagh Bahadoran was unmarked near the far post and sent another header past O’Donnell.

Diego Barrera could have scored for Kaya in the 26th minute. The midfielder sent a header on goal but it diverted wide. The first half ended in favor of Global at 2-0.

Global had to finish the match with ten men, however, when Jason Dantes was shown a second bookable offense in the 56th minute. The midfielder, who already had a yellow card in the 10th minute, was sent off after a rough challenge on Jovin Bedic.

TIshan Hanley set up a thrilling final few minutes by scoring in the 83rd minute. Global were suddenly on the back foot as Kaya pressed on for a late equalizer.

Miguel Tanton almost made the scores level in the second minute of added time. The substitute sent a free header towards the goal but unfortunately it went just inches over.

Hikaru Minegishi made the result beyond doubt with a goal in the last minute of stoppage time. Matthew Hartmann received the ball from a clearance and found a darting Minegishi in the attacking third. The winger took his time before slotting the ball past O’Donnell to round up the win and clinch second place in the League for Global.

Check out the match photos HERE.

This post-match was originally posted on football.com.ph. You may read the full report and other Philippine football news and features here.

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