Global crushes Stallion, seizes UFL lead

A brace from Sudanese striker Izo El-Habbib propelled title contender Global to a 3-1 trouncing of Stallion Giligans Tuesday night in the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Hardly bothered by a hand injury that forced him out of action for close to a month, El-Habbib scored a goal in each half as Global took a two-point cushion over erstwhile leader Kaya with two matches left in their schedule.

Loyola Meralco, another team in title contention, was supposed to play Air Force Tuesday night, but an appeal by the Airmen to re-schedule their match a day later was granted at the final moment.

The Sparks can reclaim the lead with a win over the Airmen.

Alex Obiang struck with a half-volley off a Misagh Bahadoran free kick from the left to give Global a 2-nil lead at the break, while Stallion grabbed a late consolation through Ruben Doctora.

Stallion caused problems with its pace and passing and created the first chance of the match with Doctora firing over just inside the box in the 10th minute, but El-Habbib’s skill and incisiveness in front of goal proved to be the difference.

“I scored the goals because we have a good team,” said El-Habbib. “I still feel pain in my hands but inside the pitch, I forget everything.”