Global boosts UFL title bid, nips Loyola XI

Global leaned on a pair of old, reliable stars to complete a stunning 2-1 victory over Loyola Meralco Tuesday night and gain the inside track in the United Football League title race at Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.

Already part of the team since its early days, Misagh Bahadoran and Sudanese striker Izzo El-Habbib delivered the decisive goals in an enthralling five-minute spell in the second half that put Dan Palami’s side firmly in control of the championship derby.

With the win, Global improved to 44 points with six matches remaining in its schedule. The Sparks may have kissed their hopes of lifting another trophy this season goodbye as they stood at 39 points, but with only five matches to go. The closest challenger for Global now is Kaya, which has 36 points.

“We’ve taken a big step,” said Leigh Manson. “If we win our game in hand we’ll be eight points ahead of Loyola with a much bigger goal difference.”