Dynamic Herb Cebu FC moved an inch closer to league leaders Kaya FC-Iloilo after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Azkals Development Team last Saturday 11 March 2023 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Cebu are now five points behind leaders Kaya with 31 points with a game in hand. ADT meanwhile remained in fourth place with 21 points.
In their first meeting since their scoreless draw last September, Cebu claimed first blood from Rintaro Hama in the 20th minute. A chance by Leaford Allen was denied by the crossbar but the Japanese forward was there to convert the follow up with a header past Quincy Kammeraad.
ADT tried to answer back with chances from Andres Aldeguer and Oliver Bias, but could not convert their chances past Jun Badelic.
Youth team standout Gavin Muens drew level for ADT at the start of the second half. A pin-point cutback by Bias found Muens free in the middle, scoring from close range.
Both teams made efforts to get the lead in the second half. Allen’s chance was denied while Aldeguer and Dennis Chung also drew blanks.
Cebu would eventually claim the lead and the win in the 70th minute. Coming off a loose ball, Daniel Gadia was quick to react and made his way past the defense and in to the bottom corner.
Bias almost found the equalizer right at the death but could only send his free kick over and wide.