Iloilo, Negros booters battle from scratch in the PFF Suzuki U-23

Photo by Rick Olivares

BACOLOD CITY—Extra time in the first match of a two-leg final should not be played.

Citing tournament rules, the Philippine Football Federation yesterday upheld Iloilo’s protest seeking to nullify Ceres-Negros Occidental’s 3-1 extra time win in the first leg of their PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup.

The 1-1 score at the end of regulation play at the Central Philippine U pitch in Iloilo Thursday will stick, adding extra fire to the already simmering rivalry between the country’s football powerhouses.

Instead of a two-goal cushion going into the second leg at the Panaad Stadium at 6 tonight, the Ceres-Negros booters will bring only an “away” advantage after the stalemate.

The Negrenses also lost their manpower advantage as the red cards slapped against Iloilo goalkeeper Wilson Muñoz and defender Rhanty Bayquin were also nullified since they were sent off in extra time.

Leorey Yanson, who manages the Negros squad with brother Ricky, branded the decision as “unfair.”

“Our players worked hard to get these advantages,” said Yanson. “How can we explain this (decision) to them.”

Negros coach Norman Fegidero hopes that the decision will motivate the team.

“We have to stay focused on our goal, which is to win the championship,” said Fegidero, whose attack line will be led by first leg scorer Aldrin Dolino and the creative Josh Beloya. “We have to improve on our performance from the first leg.”

PFF secretary general Ramon Manuel admitted that the officials supervising the first leg erred in sending the game to extra time.

“The most important thing is that we uphold the regulations of the game, which prevails over the authority of the officials to extend the game and the agreement of the two teams to play extra time,” said Manuel.