THE Cebu Football Club (CFC) Gentle Giants redeemed themselves in the Philippines Football League with a 3-0 shutout of the Maharlika Taguig FC on Sunday, March 16, 2025, in front of a hometown crowd at the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex in Talisay City, Cebu.
Abou Sy earned the “Man of the Match” accolade after snapping out of a scoring drought.
Sy opened the scoring in the first half and completed a brace in the 61st minute, helping the Gentle Giants maintain control of the game.
“I am really happy because, after several games without scoring, at least I have 2 goals today. I also worked hard for the team, I am very happy for the team and all the players because we did a good job today. I am also thankful to the fans for the continuous support,” Sy said in a post-match interview.
Cebu FC sealed the victory when new signing Leo Gabriel Maquiling found the back of the net just three minutes after coming on as a substitute for Jeremiah “JB” Borlongan in the 71st minute.Coach Ramos elated
Equally happy with CFC’s 3-0 win was head coach Glenn Ramos, who had to hurry back from Bayawan City in Negros Oriental, where he steered the Cebu City Niños’ secondary and elementary football teams to gold-medal victories in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (Cviraa) Meet.
“I am very happy with the win. The players did good today. Our mission is to win our remaining games, so they’re playing more than a hundred percent. This is good for our preparation for the remaining four games. I’m very proud of the Cebu Football Club,” said Ramos.
The victory allowed the Gentle Giants to remain in contention for a Top 4 finish, although they continue to sit in fifth place despite the win.
Both Stallion Laguna FC and Cebu FC tote 24 points on identical 7–3-4 win-draw-loss records. However, Stallion gets the fourth spot as it leads a point over CFC in goal difference. Stallion has a goal difference of 15 points, while CFC has 14.
The top 4 teams will compete in the final series for a chance to qualify for the AFC Champions League Two and the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup.
Cebu FC will now shift its focus to its must-win showdown against Loyola FC on March 29 at the same venue. / GLENN C. TAN, BiPSU COMM INTERN