Dynamic Herb Cebu claimed its first-ever victory as a top-flight club after opening its 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara campaign by defeating Stallion-Laguna, 2-0, on Monday, April 25 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Former national U-23 player Chima Uzoka scored the opener shortly after missing a penalty in the first half before Roberto Corsame Jr. produced an all-important second goal in stoppage time to secure the landmark win for The Gentle Giants.
The famous win that delighted its fans back home came after Cebu failed to win a single match despite placing fourth in the 2021 Copa.
Two of those defeats came against Stallion, including a match for third place that needed a shootout to be decided.
Cebu, carrying high expectations after a tie-up with Turkish side Hatayspor led to the hiring of coach Mehmet Kakil, started the first of a stretch of playing all six elimination round matches in a span of 17 days.
Competition officials later handed Cebu a second win after its scheduled game against the Azkals Development Team on April 28 will push through due to a scheduled training camp in Malaysia.
With that, Cebu climbed to fourth spot in the seven-team table with six points. Stallion remained winless after three matches despite suffering its first loss of the competition. The Laguna outfit previously settled for a pair of draws against the Azkals Development Team and Mendiola FC 1991.
The Horsemen remained on level terms with Mendiola at two points apiece, but sits in sixth place on goal difference.
It was Stallion which gave itself two early chances to strike first, but Cebu goalkeeper Ace Villanueva stopped a pair of attempts by Kainoa Bailey and Oscar Delgado, who nearly capitalized on the custodian’s mistake.
Cebu got its first break when Uzoka was awarded a penalty after being fouled by Bailey inside the penalty area in the 32nd minute.
The 2019 Southeast Asian Games’ spot kick was blocked by Stallion keeper Hayeson Pepito, but Uzoka alertly came up with the rebound that put Cebu in front.
Tensions boiled over in the 55th minute when Uzoka was given a yellow card for kicking the ball at the touch line that nearly hit Stallion coach Ernie Nierras, who responded by shoving his former player.
Corsame sealed the full three points after taking advantage of a pass by Daniel Gadia before the former Arellano University striker scored a left-footed attempt.
Both clubs return on May 2, with Cebu facing Mendiola and Stallion taking on defending champion Kaya-Iloilo.