TAIWO Oluwaseun saved the day for Samba FC, scoring the late match-winning goal just in the nick of time.
Oluwaseun barged his way from the left flank and struck inside the box in two minutes of injury time to lift Samba FC, 1-0, over University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) in their Group A Men’s Open division match of the 18th Aboitiz Football Cup yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center football pitch.
It was a very close and competitive match with both teams working hard to score that elusive goal. Oluwaseun came alive in the second half and was very dangerous with his attacks from the right wing. But a last minute change of strategy made the difference. From the right wing, he transferred to the left wing and it worked for Samba FC.
University of San Carlos (USC) is still in the running for a semi-finals slot after a 17-0 beating of We United in the other Group B match.Miguel Kwan led the Warriors’ charge with six goals – in the ninth, 25th, 32nd, 40th, 67th and 84th minutes. Yves Caballero, who came in off the bench in the second half, had four goals – in the 64th, 78th, 82nd and 90th. Paulo Saguin scored a hat trick in the 25th, 36th and 51st minutes.
Steven Patalinghug scored in the 22nd, Keen Agot in the 38th and Mark Ninolas in the 85th minute.
Samba FC, a team comprised of all Africans, is at the top of Group A with 12 points, followed by defending champion Leylam FC with nine points and still two matches remaining. USC has six points also with two matches left, while USJ-R has a slim chance with three points with also two matches left.
USC faces Leylam FC in a crucial match this weekend, while USJ-R will have an easier schedule against We United.
Erco Bro FC scored an easy 8-0 victory over Suzuki FC in Group B, while University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) also breezed past Avengers, 10-1.
Erco Bro FC, last year’s runner-up is still three points behind Group leader Rising Sun with nine points, while USPF is also creeping in with nine points but behind on goal difference.
Rising Sun, which has 12 points, Erco FC and USPF are fighting for the two semi-final spots of Group B.
Rising Sun and Erco Bro FC will face off next weekend for Group B’s top spot.