Friday, January 27, 2006
Hot start by M'lang
By Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan
THE M'lang, North Cotabato booters got off to a rousing start while host Davao City settled for a draw in the opener Thursday of the South/Central Mindanao Senior Men's Football Finals at the Tionko field.
M'lang routed Cotabato City, 4-0, while the Davao booters were held to 1-1 standoff by Davao del Norte.
Bonifacio Bangga struck for two goals--in the 18th and 38th minutes--to lead M'lang to and opening day win played under a blazing morning sun.
Andy Lyn Estimo and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games veteran Peter Jaugan gave Bangga scoring support, finding the net 32nd and 51st, respectively, via penalty kicks.
In the second game, Davao del Norte's Noel Flores played well in the 44th minute but Davao player Allan Rey Fernandez countered in the 59th to force the draw.
M'lang Vice-Mayor Lito Piñol, who guested in Thursday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn, said: "We were lucky to have won our first game. Of course, Davao is still the team to beat."
Piñol said they will try to top their bracket.
"I hope Davao will also top their bracket so we can play in the finals. I hope and pray for the best. We're prepared for this tournament," he said.
Newly-elected Davao Football Association (DFA) president Gerry Salas, on his part, said only one team will earn slot to the National Finals slated February 21 to 26 in Iloilo City.
"Davao stands a very good chance to top this tournament and also in the nationals," Salas said.
Today's games pit Cotabato City against South Cotabato at 8 a.m. while Sultan Kudarat takes on Davao del Norte at 10 a.m.
The regional championship match is set on Sunday.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (January 27, 2006 issue)
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