Global FC wins opener in benefit games, takes on Azkals next

MANILA, Philippines – Global Smartmatic scored a 1-nil victory against Kaya Cignal at the start of the I Can Serve Football Invitational Games today at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Sudanese Izzeldin El-habbib scored on an early goal to power the Global Smartmatic to the opening day win in the charity invitationals backed by LBC and Sun Life Insurance that served as a kick-off to Breast Cancer Awareness Month this coming October.

El-habbib, the top scorer in the last UFL season, eluded Kaya’s defense and took advantage with a long goal, four minutes into the match.

Kaya found an opening to equalize when Global’s goal keeper Paolo del Rosario was sent off after a hand ball outside the penalty box on Ivory Coast native Eric Dragoh’s attempt midway in the first half.

But Kaya, behind the efforts of Dagroh and Philippine Azkals’ Nate Burkey and Jason Sabio, failed on several chances to equalize as Global hung tough with key defensive stops.

Global will challenge the Philippine Azkals on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the same venue. Kaya will take its turn against the national team on Saturday.

Breast Cancer survivor and actress Maritoni Fernandez kicked off the event as the guest of honor with ticket proceeds of the three-day invitationals going to I Can Serve Foundation, which helps spread awareness and fight breast cancer.

Tickets to the charity games, which are pegged at P300 (lower box), P150 (upper grandstand), P75 (center bleachers) and P50 (side bleachers), are available at Mizuno branches in Bonifacio High Street, Mall of Asia, Alabang Town Center and SM Megamall, select LBC branches and at the venue.


All games are telecast on the same day at 5 p.m. on AKTV on IBC.

philstar