GLOBAL Cebu FC looks to continue its unbeaten run in Cebu City as it takes on Ilocos United FC today in the Philippines Football League (PFL) at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
Global Cebu FC beat Ceres Negros FC and Stallion Laguna FC and drew the Davao Aguilas FC in three home matches last month.
The Cebuano side’s latest are back-to-back away matches with FC Meralco Manila, drawing the first one, 2-2, before winning the second, 2-1.
Although they are currently third, Global Cebu FC coach Akbar Nawas isn’t taking Ilocos United FC, which sits at the bottom of the league, for granted.
“You never know. A team like Ilocos is always dangerous. If we won’t come out there with the right frame of mind, then we might be in trouble. A team is a team, we’ve got to give them due respect,” he said.
Ilocos United FC has had a string of unfortunate losses, which could have been wins. They are hoping that this time luck will be on their side.
“We have been so unlucky in this couple of weeks,” said Ilocos United FC’s British defender Adam Witter. “A win is just around the corner if we continue to do what we are doing.”
Though that elusive win is yet to come, Ilocos United FC coach Ian Gillan believes that the newbie club is on the right path.
“We deserve to get points but the football gods are not that kind to us. But I believe we’re on the right track,” he said.
Ilocos United FC will be without Anton del Rosario, while Paul Mulders will also sit this match out. Both are serving their one-game suspensions.
One of Global Cebu FC’s new acquisitions in the transfer window, Rufo Sanchez, is yet to play his first match for the Cebuano club since 2013. The 30-year-old Spanish striker played for Global Cebu FC for six matches in the United Football League (UFL).
“I might start him, I might not. It depends on how he does in training. Because sometimes when a new player comes and you rush him, it might sometimes do more harm than good,” said Nawas.
With the loss of veteran Matt Hartmann, who was signed by Davao Aguilas FC, Nawas is expecting the younger players like Paolo Bugas to step up and fill the void. (EKA)