New signing Ivan Ouano opened his goalscoring account for Dynamic Herb Cebu FC after a close 2-1 win over Maharlika Manila FC in the Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways last Sunday at the McKinley Hill Stadium.
The win kept Cebu’s chances of getting close to league leaders Kaya FC-Iloilo as the Gentle Giants move up to 34 points with two games in hand.
Playing in their first official home match in the league, Maharlika Manila shocked Cebu with a 20th minute opener from defender David Basa. Zachary Ford’s corner to the far post found Basa for the free header, sending the ball past Jun Badelic for the opener.
Maharlika’s opener allowed Cebu to find their touch, coming close in the 31st minute after Mert Altinoz found Rintaro Hama in the box, but was denied by Javier Coscolluela. Altinoz also had his chance five minutes later, but could muster a shot straight to Coscolluela.
With minutes left in the first half, Daniel Gadia restored parity with the equalizer. The midfielder pounced on Baris Tasci’s throw-in and made his way past two Maharlika defenders before slotting it past Coscolluela’s near post.
Cebu almost took the lead from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time after Basa conceded a penalty following a challenge on Roberto Corsame. Marius Kore took the penalty but saw his spot kick denied by the cross bar.
The Gentle Giants finally got the lead three minutes in to the second half. An errant back pass from Ben Diarra was picked out by an on-rushing Ouano, who fired a low shot past Coscolluela to ensure the three points..