Ideal Singapore Cup draw for Global and Sparks

By Karlo Sacamos

THE possibility of an all-Philippine club showdown in the semifinals of the Singapore Cup looms after Global and Loyola Meralco drew separate quarterfinal opponents on Tuesday.
The reigning United Football League champion, Global is set to face DPMM FC of Brunei, a two-time winner of the Singapore League Cup, while the Sparks will be taking on Tanjong Pagar United, the 1998 title holder and the remaining Singapore-based club in the tournament.
Global clinched a berth in the quarterfinals by eliminating defending champion Warriors, 3-0.
The winners of the eight quarterfinal pairings advance to the semis of the meet featuring top clubs from Singapore and neighboring countries.
The other match-ups feature five-time champion Home United against Geylang United, and Hougang United versus Balestier Khalsa.
Home United is now considered the favorite after Tampines Rovers and Warriors FC failed to advance past the group stage.
The quarterfinal is a two-leg series slated from July 22 to 29.
The away-goals rule won't apply in case of tied aggregate scores, with the game coming down to extra time and penalties.

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