Jumbel Guinabang played hero and Arellano University edged College of St. Benilde, 3-2, in the opener of the NCAA Season 93 men’s football Finals Friday at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Guinabang struck twice, including the winner in extra time that moved the Chiefs to a victory a way from regaining the title they lost last season.
The 20-year-old Guinabang wasted little time in making his presence felt in the best-of-three championship duel after scoring his first goal just three minutes into the match.
It was an action-packed first half with Daniel Lozio putting CSB in the scoring column shortly after Guinabang broke the ice before the Chiefs’ Charles Gamutan and the Blazers’ Renz Tulayba exchanged goals late in the first half.
Defense ruled the second half but not until Guinabang came through for the brace.
Arellano shoots for the crown on Monday while CSB tries to extend the duel to a deciding Game 3 on Wednesday.
In the juniors division, San Beda repulsed CSB-La Salle Greenhills, 2-1, to inch closer to a title repeat and its 17th title overall.