Global trips Kaya, makes UFL semis

MANILA, Philippines - Global leaned on Misagh Bahadoran in the first extension as it edged Kaya, 2-1, to clinch the first semifinals berth in the United Football League Cup at the University of Makati grounds in Makati Tuesday night.

With the game tied at 1 after regulation, Bahadoran freed himself in the middle and straight into Kaya’s defense and knocked in the game-winning goal that sent the reigning League champion into the Final Four.

Global will face the winner between Loyola Meralco Sparks, who topped Group C, and Group D No. 2 Phl Army FC slated today, also at the UMak.

Midfielder Demetrius Omphroy, a member of the Phl Azkals team like Bahadoran, delivered the first goal for Global, blasting away a rocket off his own miss that Kaya goalie Saba Garmaroudi deflected to seize a 1-0 lead on the 33rd minute.

But the LBC-backed Kaya countered 13 minutes later as Eddie Mallari rolled past defenders before scoring against Global goalie Roland Sadia for the equalizer right before halftime.

Both teams, however, failed to score in the second half, forcing extension.

Aside from the Army-Loyola duel at 5 p.m., Group D top seed Stallion Penson FC takes on Group A No. 2 General Trias Intrernational at 7 p.m.

Group A No. 1 Green Archers United-Globe FC and Group C No. 2 Pachanga FC will tackle each other at 8:30 p.m. at the Nomads field with the winner clashing with the victor in the Stallion-Gen. Trias showdown.

The semis are set on Nov. 13 and the finals on Nov. 19 both at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex pitch.