PFF Smart U22. Negros Occidental dumps North Cotabato, 3-0 to clinch semifinal seat
BACOLOD CITY—Negros Occidental underlined its title credentials by bundling out a stubborn North Cotabato side, 3-0, Wednesday to advance to the semifinals of the PFF Smart Under-22 Amateur Football Championship here.
Goals from Nigerian striker Eli Usman, Jeff Paparon and Cameroonian midfielder Madi Taniform at North Ceres field in Talisay City boosted the hosts to the Final Four, where they were joined by Davao.
The Davaoeños attacked without letup on their way to a 10-0 demolition of Camarines Norte at Panaad Stadium.
Finding an overmatched Camarines side easy to break down, Davao got two goals each from Leo Abunas and Gerald Susuban.
Mark Anthony Bugay, James Enegente, Patrick Asoque, Patrick Pacot, Christian Cabantao and John Michael Mendoza were also on target for Davao.
Usman opened the scoring from close range, directing a cross from the right to the bottom corner in the 18th minute. Jeff Paparon doubled the lead in the 57th minute, firing home after Usman’s header bounced off the bar.
Taniform delivered a classy strike from the edge of the area in the 85th minute to seal victory.
“I’m very happy with the performance,” said Negros coach John Carmona.
“It was very convincing but we have to be better with our finishing especially in the next round where teams are stronger and we won’t get a lot of chances.”