Global keeps slim hope despite loss to South China

HONG KONG—Global absorbed a heavy 0-3 defeat from Hong Kong side South China in the AFC Cup at Mong Kok Stadium Wednesday night but a new competition rule has given the PH side a glimmer of hope of still reaching the knockout stage.

Goals from substitute Cheng Lai-hin, Bojan Malisic and Daniel McBreen sealed the victory South China which stayed unbeaten in five matches.

Global remained at four points, but even with Pahang of Malaysia scoring a 7-4 rout of Yadanarbon of Myanmar, the United Football League champions can snatch the second berth to the knockout stage if they beat Pahang on May 13 at Philippine Sports Stadium.

Pahang has seven points, but Global will forge a tie with a win. And despite having better goal difference, Pahang can still be eliminated if Global prevails under the head-to-head rule to break ties. Both teams battled to a scoreless draw in their first match last month.

“The positive thing is we’re still in contention but we have to improve,” said Global coach Leigh Manson.

Global dominated possession but couldn’t carve out a clear-cut chance. Misagh Bahadoran spurned the visitors’ best chance off a free kick when he headed the ball too close to the South China keeper in the 11th minute.