DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/28 Apr) – The Davao Football Association’s team blanked visiting Dipolog squad in the opening game of the Philippine Football Federation-Suzuki Under 23 (U23) National Cup All Mindanao Finals at Tionko Football Field here on Thursday.
The Davao booters scored two goals in the first half of the game and another goal in the closing minutes of the second half.
Jomar Acedo made the opening goal for the squad on the 18th minute while Joven Benitez made a quick goal just two minutes later.
Joey Arobo made a final goal on the 44th minute of the game.
On the second game, the teams of the North Cotabato Football Association (NOCOFA) and Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental Football Association (CMOFA) ended in a draw after 90 minutes of play.
Eric John Araujo’s header scored on the 58th minute for the Ilonggo squad from M’lang town in North Cotabato.
But Cagayan-Misamis Oriental’s Emilliano Mabalos scored on the 73rd minute. Mabalos’s first attempt bounced from the M’lang goalkeeper’s hand but he was able to hit the ball again for the equalizer.
M’lang squad had a chance to break the tie after a free kick but CMOFA’s goalkeeper saved the ball.
The NOCOFA played aggressively in the first half of the game, making several goal attacks. But on the second half, CMOFA played aggressively and was able to make two goal attempts.
Meanwhile, games on Friday, April 29, will be Dipolog against CMOFA at 8:30 a.m. while the host Davao squad will play against M’lang booters at 2:30 p.m.
And on Saturday, M’lang booters will face Dipolog squad at 1:30 p.m. while Davao will play against CMOFA at 3:30 p.m.
The team that will win the most number of games will represent Mindanao in the national finals with the winners from Luzon and Visayas. In case of tie, the team that scores the most goals will be declared winner. (Keith Bacongco / MindaNews)