Singapore Cup: Late Sanchez goal lifts Global

MANILA, Philippines—Rufo Sanchez scored right at the death as Global edged DPMM Brunei, 1-0, Wednesday night in the first leg of their Singapore Cup quarterfinal tie at Jalan Besar Stadium.

The Spanish striker cleverly used the back of his head to stroke home a long free kick from Jeffrey Christiaens in the final play of the match as Global inched closer to a spot in the last four.

The second leg will be played Saturday at Jalan Besar Stadium with Global just needing a draw to advance.

It was a dream ending to what had been a frustrating evening for the United Football League side which struggled to make the most out of their good play in the opening half.

Time and again, Global was stretched in the second half, but the Filipino side survived with Ivorian keeper Roland Sadia producing three impressive saves all from long range.

With five minutes of stoppage time winding down , Sanchez, making his debut for the club after helping Stallion win the UFL crown, delivered a moment of magic to lift Global.

Global added Paul Mulders to bolster the attack, but while the Filipino Dutch midfielder started brightly, he struggled to influence the match late on.

Misagh Bahadoran and Carli de Murga were guilty of missing several chances, while Sanchez also had a clear opportunity at the end of the first half gone begging.