South China smothers debuting Global FC

MANILA, Philippines - Global FC got a big reality check on its historic stint in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup, absorbing a numbing 1-6 setback to South China AA of Hong Kong Wednesday night in the Group G opener at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

South China, a former semifinalist in the second-tier club tourney, punished the Global defense with their quick counters and rained goals on the debuting hosts, with Australian striker Danny McBreen and Cameroonian Mahama Awal each netting a brace.

Fil-Icelandic sub Mike Jonsson scored a late goal to prevent a shutout for Global, the first Phl club to ever qualify for the AFC Cup.

“We need to develop more our planning and strategy,” said Global coach Dan Padernal, speaking for coach Leigh Manson.

McBreen opened the floodgates for South China three minutes in as he capitalized on grave mistake by Global custodian Patrick Deyto to chip the ball into an empty net. He was at it again 24 minutes later, finishing off a well-executed counter-attack initiated by Awal to double their lead.

Lo Kong Wai made it 3-0 after following up Chan Siu Ki’s header that was tipped away by Deyto.

South China proved from being satisfied. Four minutes after restart, the wily Awal won a free kick as he drew a foul from Mexican midfielder Raul Martinez 30 yards out, giving captain Chan Wai Ho the opportunity to fire a sublime curling shot to the top corner for a 4-nil margin.

After helping set up goals, Awal joined the fray and dished out excellent finishes at the 65th and 75th.

Global got a consolation goal three minutes from time with Jonsson firing a volley past South China keeper Mora Medrano.