Global nips Kaya XI, nails UFL semis slot

MISAGH Bahadoran delivered a virtuoso performance to lift Global past a gritty Kaya side, 2-1, and into the semifinals of the United Football League Cup at University of Makati field Tuesday night.

The national team player scored on a brilliant individual effort two minutes into extra time as Global moved into the next round.

In the most anticipated clash of the quarterfinal round, Global got off to a perfect start with Demitrius Omphroy opening the scoring in the 33rd minute as he followed up a saved effort from Bahadoran, but Kaya equalized just before halftime with an unstoppable long-range rocket from Eddie Mallari.

“It feels so good because we played well even if the pitch was bad,” said Bahadoran.

“Misagh is very creative and the instruction was he gives us that one burst of energy because it looked like Kaya’s defense was getting tired,” said Global manager Dan Palami.

Needing to cope with Global’s attacking strength, Kaya defended doggedly and almost snatched a winner late in regulation with a Jonah Romero lob that was just cleared off the line by Carli de Murga.