LEYLAM FC made short work of Don Sacredale-Queen City United, 2-1, to win the men’s open title of the Aboitiz Football Cup at the Cebu City Sports Center last Sunday, Dec. 16.
The victory came just hours after Leylam FC coach Oliver Colina won the Boys 18-Under title for Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, completing a rare double in the 20th edition of Cebu’s premier football tournament.
Boasting one of the best defense and keepers in the tournament, Don Sacredale, which ousted college champion University of San Carlos-Queen City United in the semifinals, lasted only 19 minutes against a fearsome Leylam frontline that featured the 6-foot-6 Pinto Kabulo, Marcus Korre and Ene Famous.
Kabulo, who won the Golden Boot with 11 goals, got the first goal in the 19th minute as he took advantage of his quickness inside the box to get to the deflected ball first. Leonard Tan, who had been exemplary all season long, was tested again in the 69th as Marcus Kore attacked from right flank to make it 2-0.
That seems to have taken the fight out of Don Sacredale but they got one back courtesy of Marc Felicilda, whose 35-yard shot was mishandled by the Leylam keeper for a 2-1 score in the 88th minute. Though Don Sacredale had a couple of set pieces after that, it couldn’t find the equalizer and settled for a runner-up finish in its maiden season. (ML)