Dynamic Herb Cebu FC began the month of April by going up to first place after a 3-1 win over Mendiola FC in an action-packed Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways last Saturday 01 April 2023 that saw both teams finishing with ten men.
The win saw Cebu go up to first place in the league standings with 43 points and extend their unbeaten streak of 17 matches heading in to the Holy Week break.
“We only focused on what impact we can do in the match,” said Man of the Match Ouano.
It was a nervy first half for both sides. Cebu, who was missing in-form midfielder Daniel Gadia to suspension, dominated the early goings of the match with numerous of chances to take the lead in the first half, but were left frustrated by the fine performance from Mendiola goalkeeper Joseph Ceniza.
Adjustments from Coach Mehmet Kakil paid off in the second half with the introduction of Mert Altinoz and Ouano. The Cebu forward broke the deadlock in the 55th minute after a lofted ball from Jeremiah Borlongan allowed the forward to break free and finish it towards the bottom corner.
Marius Kore doubled the lead five minutes later. Borlongan’s corner to the box found the forward free who slotted it past Ceniza.
Mendiola pulled one back in the 80th minute as Junior Sam slotted it past Jun Badelic, ensuing a grandstand finish.
Tensions flared heading in to the climax of the match. Cebu’s Rintaro Hama had a goal waved off after a foul on Ceniza, who struck the midfielder leaving the referee no choice but to send off the goalkeeper leaving Elljhone Rasonable to man the posts.
Mere minutes later, Cebu midfielder Nicolas Ferrer also saw red after a deliberate elbow on Peter John Banaynal leaving both teams with ten men.
With time running out, substitute Kintaro Miyagi restored Cebu’s two-goal cushion with a diving header past Rasonable to complete the result.