Group B continues to take shape in the Copa Paulino Alcantara 2023 as the University of the Philippines escaped Pilipinas Dragons, 2-1, in Wednesday’s midweek fixture last 09 August 2023 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Jan Caraig gave Pilipinas Dragons the lead in the 26th minute. Teddy Travis sent a through ball to the path of Caraig, who forced the shot past Erick Cachuela for the opener.
Ramil Bation III drew UP level five minutes later. A flick by Francis Tacardon was played by Justin Concepcion allowing the forward to send the ball with the slightest of touch past Januel Magdangal.
Both teams tried find the winner late in the match and it fell in to the hands of Marc Tobias in the first minute of stoppage time. The midfielder was at the right place at the right time to chip the ball in to the back of the net.
Club de Futbol Manila banked on a late equalizer from substitute Jose Alon to force Ten-men Far Eastern University to a 1-1 draw in the second match.
Sherwin Basindahan fired a volley in the first 42 seconds of the match to put FEU the lead.
However, FEU went a man down on the stroke of half-time as substitute Khent Valenzuela was given a direct red card after a hard foul on Mahmoud Ali.
FEU had plenty of opportunities to extend their lead, but were unable to send their shots towards the back of the net.
With time running down, Patrick Grogg unleashed an inviting cross into the path of Alon, who headed it past Jetrick Fabrigas for the equalizer.
Saturday’s matches at the Rizal Memorial Stadium will see the return of the Philippines Football League clubs as Maharlika Manila take on Manila Digger in Group B at 3:00 PM, followed by the much anticipated clash between old rivals Loyola FC and Kaya FC-Iloilo at 5:30 PM. Saturday’s last match will see Davao Aguilas UMak FC take on Mendiola FC 1991.