LEYLAM FC earned a ticket to the Men’s Open championships of the Aboitiz Football Cup for the second straight year after outclassing Don Bosco United FC (DBUFC) in the semifinals, 4-1, yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
What was an impressive win by Leylam FC, however, was tainted, after Madi Nji traded blows with Bong Aller after the match.
“Madi just protected himself. Madi lost his temper because he was punched first,” Leylam FC head coach Oliver Colina told Sun.Star Cebu.
According to Colina, Aller punched Nji and then Nji retaliated but the scuffle was quickly diffused by players and officials.
“I don’t know because I didn’t see the ref give him a card,” said Colina. “We don’t
really know if he will be suspended because there was no (incident) report. The commotion was after the match. I’m going to ask for an incident report from them.”
Although there is still no word from the Cebu Football Association on Nji’s sanctions, Colina said that the team will give their own disciplinary action.
“Yes. But I will still talk with our boss (on the disciplinary action),” he said.
Leylam FC scored the opening early, in the 12th minute, compliments of Ryan Bordalba.
Prince Arigbe quickly made it a 2-0 match with goal in the 17th minute. Richard Canedo would keep the match close after hitting the back of the net in the 49th minute.
Abdulmalik Ismael and Nji, however, would close the match with back-to-back goals in
the 63rd and 67th minutes respectively.
Erco BRO Gau also advanced to the championship round after beating Don Bosco Technology Center Erco Bro, 7-3, with hat tricks from Jade Paghubasan and Rogelio Castillon Jr.
According CFA Referee Committee head Rodney Orale they will be bringing in three referees from outside Cebu to officiate the championship match to make it fair. The championship match is slated on June 28 at the CCSC football pitch and some of the Azkals players along with team manager Dan Palami will grace the event.