MATCH TODAY
(Jalan Besar Stadium)
7:45 p.m.—Loyola Meralco vs Kanbawza
THE LOYOLA Meralco Sparks try to put a disappointing finish in the United Football League behind them when they battle Myanmar side Kanbawza today in the first of a two-leg quarterfinal in the RHB Singapore Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
Kickoff is at 7:45 p.m. with the Sparks, who are coming off a 1-1 draw against Global in their final UFL season match, assigned as the home team. The second leg is slated Sunday.
Tipped to finally claim the UFL title a few weeks ago, the Sparks stumbled at the finish, dropping seven points in their last three matches and wound up third behind Global and Kaya.
Their performance in the UFL has become added motivation for the Sparks to come up with a creditable showing as the country’s first representative in the Singapore Cup.
“We’re determined to perform well against Kanbawza because we want to represent our country well and make up for our dismal finish in the UFL,” said midfielder Anto Gonzales.
The Sparks advanced to the quarterfinals after stunning S-League side Geylang United, 2-1, in extra time last May.
Mark Hartmann scored the equalizer in the second half before Park Min-ho secured the win in extra time.
Phil and James Younghusband remain the primary attacking threats for the Sparks, after the brothers combined for 34 goals during the UFL season.