South China ruins AFC Cup debut of Global XI

MANILA, Philippines—Global received a rude welcome in the AFC Cup, absorbing a heavy 1-6 defeat to Hong Kong powerhouse South China in their Group G clash at Rizal Memorial Stadium Wednesday night.

What would have been a historic night for the United Football League champions ended in disaster as they were given an early reminder of the toughness of the prestigious continental competition.

Quick to pounce on mistakes and lethal on the counter attack, South China grabbed the lead in the group on goal difference as Malaysia’s Pahang managed just a narrow 3-2 win over Yadanarbon of Myanmar, 3-2, in Mandalay.

The scoreline was harsh on Global, which had a good spell of pressure after conceding the early goal.

It was a tall order Global to start with as it only had 19 players registered for the match with new signing Matthew Hartmann and another foreign player still awaiting clearance from the AFC to join the side with the club submitting their names close to the deadline.

“A loss is always tougher and it’s even tougher when you lose by this scoreline,” said Global chief executive Dan Palami. “The good thing is we got some chances and I think if we are going to improve defending counterattacks, we will stand a better chance.”

The game quickly unraveled for Global as South China took only three minutes to take the lead through Australian striker Danny McBreen, who also doubled the advantage in the 27th minute.

Cameroonian Mahama Awal scored twice in the second half, while skipper Chan Wai Ho and Lo Kong Wai also found the back of the net for the former semifinalists.

Global’s new signing Michael Jonsson struck a late consolation goal for Global three minutes from time.