Caligdong heroics lift Air Force to 5th spot

CHIEFFY Caligdong found the back of the net for the first time since his return from injury as he propelled defending champion Air Force Phoenix to a 2-0 blanking of Pasargad in the United Football League at the University of Makati.

In his third game back from a month-long layoff, the diminutive winger again delivered with two late goals, pushing Air Force to fifth spot in the table with 11 points.

The game seemed headed for a scoreless draw as both teams blew clear chances, before Caligdong struck from the right in the 87th minute.

The national team skipper doubled his tally in the third minute of stoppage time, following up his shot that bounced off the post to cap a swift counter-attacking move.

“It took awhile for us to adjust but the win is important as it keeps us in contention,” said Air Force coach Edzel Bracamonte, whose squad came into the game buoyed by a 3-3 draw against heavyweight Loyola Meralco.

“We have a long way to go, but at least we were able to recover some of the confidence we lost because of our poor start this season.”

Goalkeeper Tats Mercado also made a solid contribution for Air Force, stopping a 58th minute penalty from Hamed Hajimahdi after defender Martin Doctora fouled Dibi Pascual inside the box.