Pinoy booters finish fifth in World Homeless Cup

The Philippines defeated Namibia, 5-3, to finish fifth in the World Homeless Cup in Melbourne, Australia over the weekend.

The RP booters came out of a tight 1-1 contest at the turn with three goals in the first three minutes of the final half then held off the Namibians with crucial defensive stops to pound out the victory.

The Africans actually fought back to threaten at 3-4 behind Tasha but De Jesus came through with another goal to seal the win for the Pinoy booters in the tournament designed for football lovers who have no home but are given the hope to realize their dreams in a small way.

The RP team dropped its first four games but produced two victories over Sweden and Rwanda to break into the win column last Friday.

The RP side first outclassed Sweden, 13-3, at the Federation Square for its breakthrough win after four losses earlier suffered in the weeklong event.

Fired up by the win, the Filipinos, backed by Danny Moran, Nonong Araneta, Eric Gutierres, Monchu Garcia, Pocholo Borromeo, Charlie Cojuangco, Jeff Long, Mike Camahort, Patxi Elizalde, Bito Mantecon and Miguel Celdran with Ed Formoso as head of the project, came back to turn back the Rwandans, 8-5, through the exploits of De Jesus, Solis and Rondolf Longgakit.

The team was also supported by Accel Sports, Solar Sports, Amici Pizza Pasta, Jeepney Magazine, Mariposa Travel International, Gatorade, Ybarra Olive Oil, SR Metals Inc, 2Go, Rider/Ipanema Sandals, GNC, Nike Park, Kid’s International Ministries, Carlos Cojuangco Foundation Inc, Negros Occidental Football Association, Pagcor, Dept of Tourism, Herbalife Phils, Boehringer Ingelheim, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, Kublai’s Rock Mongolian Bar and Grill, Lotto Soccer, NU 107, Football Connection/Sports Radio 918, www.pinoysoccer.com, www.pffmanila.org and Kublai’s.