GUAM salvaged third place in the Paulino Alcantara Peace Cup with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Macau last night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Marcus Lopez scored twice—one in each half—while Dylan Naputi struck just before the final whistle as the Guamanians notched their first win after back-to-back losses to the Philippines and Chinese-Taipei.
The Philippines and Chinese-Taipei were playing for the title at presstime with the Azkals hoping to end a 99-year wait for an international crown.
Guam had lost a couple of meetings with the Philippines in the last three months, the last of which came Tuesday in a 0-1 defeat.
But the night ended in delight for the Guamanians as they repeated their victory over Macau just a couple of months back.
“I’m happy with the result and the way we played,” said Guam coach Gary White. “We were looking to get as much out of the tournament as we can and gain maturity at this level.”
White, whose squad had been on two trips to the Philippines for matches this year, had hinted on also hosting the Azkals in Guam for friendly matches in the future.
With Kaya FC standout Jonahan Romero pulling the strings at midfield, Guam controlled the match but it wasn’t until the 27th minute when Guam created its first chance only for Lopez to bungle the chance.
Racing free on the right, Zachary Deville provided the first goal for Lopez, who slotted home from close range.
Deville was also involved in the second goal as he crossed for Lopez to head home in the 55th minute.
The Macanese, who came into the game after losing 0-5 to the Azkals, relied on set pieces to create their best chances, but Guam put away the game just before injury time.
A cross from the right found its way to Naputi, who headed home from close range to seal the comprehensive win.