Sudanese striker powers Global FC

MANILA, Philippines - Global FC leaned on Sudanese striker Izzeldin Elhabbib’s brace as it turned back Stallion Gilligan’s FC, 3-1, to snatch the solo lead from idle Kaya FC in the First Division of the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial pitch last Tuesday.

Elhabbib struck early with a spectacular 28th minute goal followed by Alex Obiang’s rocket six minutes later as the Global booters went to the first half with a 2-0 advantage.

The 25-year-old African then wrapped things up for Global by knocking in his second goal on the 81st minute that negated Stallion’s Reuben Doctora Jr.’s goal late in the match.

It was Elhabbib’s ninth and 10th goals in the season, just a goal behind Loyola’s James Younghusband and Mark Hartmann and Green Archers United Globe’s Christian Pasilan Jr.

Loyola’s Phil Younghusband leads the league in goals scored with 23.

Global FC thus seized the lead with 38 points on 12 victories and two draws against two defeats, while Kaya FC dropped to second with 36 points on an 11-3-2 (win-draw-loss) record.

The Sparks, for their part, fell to No. 3 with 35 points on an 11-2-2 slate.

After Air Force, Loyola takes on Nomads Auction Manila on Sunday at the Rizal pitch before closing the season with a much-awaited showdown with Global FC on June 26 also at the Rizal.

Kaya FC, for its part, will play Pasargad FC at 7 p.m. tonight and Stallion Gilligan’s FC on June 26, both at the Rizal pitch.