Missing almost half of its squad, Global showed tremendous resolve in hammering out a 1-0 victory over Stallion Sta. Lucia and cement its place at the top of the United Football League Tuesday night at Emperador Stadium in Taguig.
Izzo El-Habbib headed home the game-winner 12 minutes from time as Global hung tough in the face of Stallion’s late assault thanks to a superb effort from goalkeeper Roland Sadia.
“It was the sweetest victory yet because of the circumstances that were against us tonight,” said Global coach Brian Reid, who only had a couple of substitutes on his bench.
The victory extended Global’s unbeaten start to seven matches for 21 points, two ahead of Loyola Meralco, which also bucked the absence of stars Phil and James Younghusband to down Green Archers United, 2-0, earlier.
Archers remained stuck at eighth spot with four points.
In a rematch of their UFL Cup final showdown won by Stallion, 2-1, last December, Global was forced to field a weakened side with just 13 players after their stars were called up for national duty.
“Our lineup may be depleted but we will always go by our same philosophy that it’s the country first before the club,” said Global manager Dan Palami.