Global XI, Kaya-Cignal target UFL semis slots

Photo by Fritz Gerald Dalida

MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion Global and Kaya-Cignal gun for semifinal berths when they battle separate rivals in the United Football League Cup today at the University of Makati pitch.

Riding high on a 3-0 win over Army in the round of 16, Global faces Pachanga at 2 p.m. in a rematch of their Group of Death clash last month, before Kaya tangles with Nomads Auction Manila at 4.

The Loyola Meralco Sparks, bannered by brothers Phil and James Younghusband, take on Sunken Garden United at 8 p.m. in the remaining round of 16 match at the Nomads Sports Club in Parañaque.

Reigning league champion Air Force Phoenix FC battles Green Archers United at 4 p.m. on Sunday in another quarterfinal match.

Global and Pachanga battled to a 2-2 draw last month in their Group C match, a result that almost eliminated the defending champions from contention.

But Global coach Graeme MacKinnnon believes he has a more cohesive side now after watching his players overpower an Army squad that had gone undefeated in the group stage.

“We’re playing much, much better now,” said MacKinnon. “But the road to the final is going to get much harder from here.”

Pachanga will miss four key players—Camelo Tacusalme, Osseynou Diop, Ronald Batisla-ong and Jalsor Soriano—due to suspension after picking up their second yellow cards for the tournament in the 4-2 penalty shootout win over Navy Tuesday night.