DB Garelli United produced the first shock of the Philippines Football League season 2024 after a 4-2 win over Mendiola FC 1991 in Saturday’s first match.
Jules Komoin lifted Garelli with a hat-trick performance while John Tirado added a fourth goal as Garelli bounced back after a couple of lopsided losses in their first two outings.
Koumoin broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, managing to beat Marc Pellejo inside the box after fine work from Johnson on the left side.
The Ivorian added a second in the fifth minute of first half stoppage time as Mendiola failed to defend their lines, before Koumoin grabbed his third of the match five minutes into the second half.
Garelli showed they belonged in the top flight after Tirado found the back of the net in the 56th minute, further compounding Mendiola’s woes.
The Brave Men managed two late goals from Djohn Pusing in the 78th minute and Sylver Pormento in the 90th minute, but it proved too late as Garelli already settled the outcome.
DB Garelli Starters: Misagal (Goalkeeper), Tirado, Johnson, Banagodos, Sancho, Koumoin, Mahinay (Captain), Bullen, Fornis, Dorego, Obu
Mendiola FC Starters: Pellejo (Goalkeeper), Tañamor, Reña, Abalos, Pormento, Hajimahdi (Captain), Rasonable, Ladines, Eduan, Nitta, Pusing
Goalscorers: Koumoin 21’45’49’ / Tirado 55′ / Pusing 77′ / Pormento 90
