A thrilling semifinal showdown looms for Dynamic Herb Cebu and United City FC as the two clubs eye a spot in the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara Final on Tuesday, May 17 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Cebu hopes to produce a landmark moment for the young club in the 8:45 p.m. match against a UCFC side that is also looking to move one step closer towards completing a triumphant return to the domestic scene after skipping the 2021 Copa.
The two teams settled for a 1-1 draw in their lone elimination round meeting last May 8, with Cebu’s Stephen Patalinhug cancelling Ricki Sendra’s opener with a second half equalizer.
In just its second top-flight competition, Cebu posted 13 points on four wins, one draw and one defeat to secure the second-best mark in the eliminations.
It was a big improvement from last year’s Copa as the Gentle Giants benefited from the stewardship of Turkish coach Mehmet Kakil and compatriots like Arda Cinkir, who is ranked second in goals with three.
Holdovers Robert Corsame Jr., Daniel Gadia and Ace Villanueva were also key during Cebu’s run to the semis.
United City enters the knockout stage seeking to shake off its late swoon after drawing all of the final three games, including against Cebu.
The 2020 Philippines Football League winners were on top of the ladder through the first three matches before a shock scoreless tie against Mendiola FC 1991 began UCFC’s drop.
But United City will try to make up for it with Kenshiro Daniels, Amirbek Juraboev, Sendra and JJ Robertson tasked to play important roles.