CEBU, Philippines — Ten months after being denied of a grandslam feat, Leylam FC got back its throne as 'kings of Cebu football' after beating Queen City United’s sister team, Donsacredale, via a 2-1 cliffhanger to win the coveted men's open title of the 20th Aboitiz Football Cup last Sunday night at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Ranged against the tournament darkhorse Donsacredale composed of former players from Don Bosco Technical College, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and Paref-Springdale, the Leylam booters under the guidance of coach Oliver Colina made the most out of the opportunity to redeem their lost pride and honor after they were eliminated in the semifinals during the previous edition of the annual tilt.
Kabulo Pinto set up the offensive fire for Leylam with just 19 minutes gone by in the game.
Pinto's teammates then put up a tougher defense to deny Donsacredale any chance of staging a counter-attack.
Leylam continued its aggressive stance that led to another goal by Marcus Kore midway in the second half.
Just when everybody thought Donsacredale was already conceding the match, Marc Felicilda caught Leylam’s goalkeeper off guard and managed to score at the 88th.
Donsacredale tried to make a late comeback, but experience and teamwork worked on Leylam's advantage on the way to claim its third crown in five years in the Aboitiz Cup.
Pinto, who was named as the Most Valuable Player, also received the Golden Boot award for having the most number of goals at 11. His teammate Virgilio “Bebe” Manayon was honored as the Best Goalkeeper, while Donsacredale’s Christian Dale Paces and Pomeroy's Mark Veloso were the Best Defender and Best Midfielder, respectively.
The biggest winner of the day, however, was coach Colina for producing two titles in a span of four hours. Before steering Leylam to crowning glory, he piloted the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu to the boys 18 championship.
“I am very happy. I think this is the first time in my coaching career that I had back-to-back finals and win them both. Hopefully, more championships to come. I just worked hard. Training, of course, is very important for the team,” said Colina.
Earlier, Team Makoto silenced USC, 5-0, to take home the bronze medal in the men’s open division.