UFL Cup: Global beats Kaya 2-1 to reach semis

It took extra time for the reigning League Champions to secure their spot in the semifinals, but Global FC went on to beat a resilient Kaya FC side 2-1 at the University of Makati Football Field, Tuesday evening. Demit Omphroy pounced on an unconvincing stop by Saba Sadeghi in the 33rd minute before Eddie Mallari fired a rocket into the top corner from 25 yards out to equalize in injury time of the first half. With the game even at 1-1 at the end of ninety minutes, the game was forced into extra time, where Misagh Bahadoran finished off a mazy run with a powerful drive into the bottom corner, to send Global through to the next round. First half With so many Azkals on Global roster, the squad started the game with Matthew Uy and Patrick Reichelt on the bench, players who would likely start for any other team in the UFL. Omphroy quickly showed why he deserves the starting spot however, as he skipped past one challenge in the sixth minute and played a great through ball for Denis Wolf. Saba was quickly off his line for Kaya though, and blocked Wolf’s shot for a corner. With the opening skirmishes between the teams allowing each of the clubs to size each other up, on an admittedly patchy pitch at UMAK, Kaya fashioned the next couple of chances, starting when Jonah Romero broke forward in the 23rd minute and had Eric Dagroh open on the right wing. Romero chose to go alone and got tackled. A minute later, Dagroh was played through on goal, but this time it was Roland Sadia, in goal for Global, who came off his line quickest to block Dagroh’s fierce shot. Global next threatened in the 32nd minute, with Jeffrey Christiaens’ free-kick floating towards the back post where Juani Guirado tried a spectacular bicycle kick. He couldn’t pull it off though, with the ball trickling out for a throw in. Kaya kept the ball in play and countered quickly, finding Dagroh again up front, but his shot was tame and Global were once more let off. A minute later, Global punished Kaya when a long shot was fired at the Kaya goal. Saba Sadeghi beat the ball away, but not far enough, as Demit Omphroy, who was trained at the same youth academy as Cristiano Ronaldo in Sporting, Portugal, reacted to the ball first and clipped it over the despairing Saba to open the scoring. The goal woke Kaya up, with Eric Dagroh having another shot at goal in the 42nd minute, though Sadia was more than equal to the effort. But in injury time of the first half with Kaya pressing forward, the ball was cleared to Eddie Mallari 25 yards out. His first touch was a little too heavy but he was also the first to the ball and whacked it on the bounce – the Kaya fans cheering as it flew into the top corner leaving the Global fans stunned. It was virtually the last kick of the first half as the sides went into the break level at 1-1. Second half Both teams had a good amount of support on the day, with the grandstand of UMAK virtually full. Global fashioned the first chance of the second half when Christiaens, bright all game at left back, dribbled down to the byline, but his cross was headed over. With the game going back and forth Lexton Moy shot over from Sabio’s long throw before the teams started making changes. Nate Burkey was introduced to the squad for Ugochukwu Ubiam and Armand Del Rosario was brought in for Antonio Ugarte. Global responded by bringing out Izzo El Habib for Patrick Reichelt with Omphroy taking a more central role before Juani Guirado made way for Marwin Angeles, with Carli De Murga moving back to cover in defense. It seemed both sides were tiring though, as the next chance fell to Global in the 79th minute. Demit Omphroy played a quality ball out wide and the resulting shot looked tame enough, but bounced off a bad part of the pitch, spooning into the Kaya goalkeeper’s face. Kaya cleared, then brought in Alu Kigbu for goalscorer Eddie Mallari, but Jonah Romero brought down Misagh Bahadoran on the edge of the area and the free-kick forced Saba to punch away. Denis Wolf made way for Alex Obiang in injury time, only for Kaya to almost snatch the win late, as a ball over the top saw Burkey and Sadia race for possession. Sadia got their first but could only punch as far as Armand Del Rosario. With the Global goalkeeer off his line, the Kaya defender tried to lob the ball into the net but Carli De Murga positioned himself well on the line to cover and clear the ball. Extra-time It took until only the second minute before Misagh Bahadoran’s daring run was finished off as he slammed the ball past Saba’s right hand side and put Global out in front. Jonah Romero tried to equalize for Kaya but he shot just over, before his frustrations seemed to boil over and he kicked out at Jerry Barbaso after the two jostled for the ball. Luckily for him and Kaya, the referee didn’t see, and couldn't slap him with a red card.   With the first half ending with Global in front, Kaya pressed forward in search of an equalizer. Dario Dakic had replaced Eric Dagroh earlier in the game and he played a one-two with Armand Del Rosario, but the latter failed to hit the target from inside the area after some good link-up play. Saba kept Kaya in the game next, as Demit Omphroy’s last contribution to the game was another good dribble past a couple of defenders before firing at goal. Saba was equal to the stop just before the Azkals winger was replaced by Kevin Capolei. Nate Burkey could have received a second yellow card next, after he picked one up moments earlier, as he dragged down Sadia in frustration after he couldn’t reach a through ball. The goalkeeper dove to the ground a little easily but the Kaya fans’ reactions were inexcusable, as the Ultras began swearing and sticking their fingers up at not only the Global players but their fans too. It was a sour end to an otherwise fantastic spectacle of Philippine football as the referee blew the final whistle to signal the end of the game and Global’s progression to the semifinals. The game was competitive and fiery, to say the least, and generally the crowd were in good spirits and respectful. After defeating Kaya by the same score they won by to secure third place in the last edition of the UFL Cup, Global will now have the chance to go one better in this year’s edition. The reigning UFL Champions can win the double (League and Cup double), but will have to first overcome the winner of Loyola and Army. - AMD, GMA News