Singapore Cup: Global bows out

SINGAPORE—A valiant effort ended in heartbreak for another Philippine club in the Singapore Cup.

Global failed to recover from an early deficit and absorbed a 1-2 loss to Tanjong Pagar Friday night in the second leg of their Singapore Cup semifinal tie at Jalan Besar.

The win completed a 4-3 aggregate victory for the S-League side, which also ousted Loyola Meralco in the quarterfinals.

Moroccan star Monsef Zerka pounced on some poor marking to head home a cross from the left in the third minute, before doubling the lead in the 58th minute with a conversion from the penalty spot.

An own goal in the 73rd courtesy of Zerka gave Global a lifeline, but the Jaguars held their ground in the face of numerous chances by the UFL side.

“We are thankful for the chance to play in this prestigious tournament and hopefully we can come back stronger here,” said Global manager Dan Palami. “There were plenty of lessons learned from our experience and we hope to use it in future tournaments.”

Global struggled to create opportunities even with Paul Mulders returning from suspension. There was some pregame drama within the Global camp as Rufo Sanchez received his one-year ban from the United Football League for playing in the first leg that ended 2-2.

But Global manager Dan Palami believes it should be the Philippine Football Federation Disciplinary Committee that will have the final say on Sanchez’s case.

The PFF has yet to decide on the fate of Sanchez, who signed a deal with Global in late August after insisting that his one-year deal with Stallion had expired.