Global nips Stallion, fans UFL title hopes

Resilient and resolute, Global took a major step at retaining its United Football League title with a 2-1 nipping of leader Stallion Tuesday night before a huge crowd at Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.

In a battle between the top two teams of the league, Izzo El-Habbib proved to be the difference anew by firing home the winner in the 77th minute as Global fought back from a goal down at halftime to stay on track of claiming another crown.

Ben Starosta equalized for Global nine minutes into the second half with a left-footed volley from a tight angle off a flick from El-Habbib, after Hector Zaghi put Stallion on top in the 24th minute.

Stallion still led with 42 points with Global at 40, although the reigning champions have one more game than the leaders.

“We showed character coming from 1-0 down in the first half,” said Global manager Dan Palami. “That (the second half) was the best half we have ever played.”

Global wasted a couple of opportunities in the first 20 minutes as the match started at a blistering pace. It was Stallion that broke the deadlock when Zaghi pounced on a botched clearance from Delon Yao to stab home from close range.

With Yu Hoshide pulling the strings at midfield, Global kept the ball for longer periods and took Stallion out of its game.

El-Habbib, who also knocked in the game-winner in their first round meeting, had the final say in the duel of the league’s top strikers. Getting the ball on the run from Jeff Christiaens, El Habbib showed composure in finishing from just inside the box.