NOFA Ceres battle Iloilo in Suzuki Cup U23 semis

Two years after they clashed for the inaugural title, NOFA Ceres and Iloilo Under 23 football teams will face each other again, this time in the semifinals of the 3 rd PFF Suzuki U23 National Football Cup in Dumaguete City tomorrow.
NOFA Ceres advanced into the semifinals by sweeping all its assignments in Bracket B, while Iloilo , who dropped its first match against North Cotabato, booked the last seat by beating Cebu , 1-0, Saturday.
In an interview over RMH DYHB, Ceres coach Ali Go said it will be an exciting match as both squads are familiar with how the other team plays.
Go said the NOFA Ceres boys came well prepared for the tournament and they fielded an attack-oriented lineup in the qualifying round against Masbate, Davao and Iligan.
With Gerardo Valmayor III and Jimuel Arriola in the forward position and Joshua Beloya, Prince Antony , J Baguiro and Joel Bedia manning the midfield, the team was unbeaten in the qualifying round.
Assistant coach Ramon Janeo, however, said they kept on reminding the players not to be overconfident against Iloilo .
He said Iloilo is a strong team and Ceres can only win the championship if they continue to work hard and play as a team.
Observing Iloilo against the other teams during the qualifying round, Go said the Ilonggos are not attacking aggressively but were effective in their counter-attack.
He said everything is possible in tomorrow's semifinals and he is asking all the supporters of the Ceres team in Negros Oriental to watch the games at the Mariano Perdices Stadium.
In the other semifinal match, Bracket A top qualifier North Cotabato will be facing Davao FA.

Go said Davao is another strong team in the tournament and their lineup for the semifinals has been boosted by several players from Manila.*NAB

Visayan Daily Star