Global big in Singapore Cup start

SINGAPORE—Unfazed by the pedigree and reputation of its rival, reigning United Football League champion Global overcame  S-League side Warriors FC, 2-0, Saturday night in an auspicious debut in the RHB Singapore Cup at Choa Chu Kang Stadium here.

Filipino international Misagh Bahadoran and British striker Jordan Robertson struck four minutes apart in the first half as Global became the second Filipino side to reach the last eight after the Loyola Meralco Sparks.

Global and Loyola are the only non-
S-League sides left in the tournament and they could meet in the quarterfinals in the third week of July depending on the draw. Also in the same side of the UFL clubs’ bracket are DPMM Brunei and Tanjong Pagar FC.

“It’s a good sign for Philippine football,” said Global owner Dan Palami. “We were fortunate that we were able to score on our chances. The Warriors were all over us for 90 minutes and credit goes to our defense.”

The Warriors, last year’s champions, boast a solid reputation of having won eight titles in the S-League. They also had 2002 World Cup veteran Kazuyuki Toda of Japan as well as Daniel Bennett, the defender who also won the Suzuki Cup with Singapore late last year.

But using the lessons of its failed AFC President’s Cup campaign, Global kept its makeshift backline organized and counterattacked brilliantly when the chance came. Goalkeeper Roland Sadia also proved equal to every Warriors’ attack.

Global needed a piece of brilliance from Bahadoran to open the scoring in the 33rd minute. Bahadoran neatly controlled a headed pass from Robertson and turned past his defender before firing with his left foot.

Robertson rifled home a volley after a botched clearance by the Warriors defense in the 37th minute.

Juani Guirado failed to suit up after his International Transfer Certificate from his club in Spain failed to arrive in time, forcing coach Brian Reid to put midfielder Ben Starosta at the back line beside Carlos Tressor Guisso.

“We had to weather some storms and scored well taken goals,” said Reid.