Chima Uzoka scored a brace to put Dynamic Herb Cebu FC on the mark in the Copa Paulino Alcantara 2023 after a 2-0 win over University of the Philippines at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Talisay, Cebu.
Uzoka scored on either side of the half in the win. The forward opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a header from JB Borlongan’s corner.
Cebu almost doubled the advantage in the match but chances from Borlongan and Ken Murayama came begging for the hosts.
UP saw the efforts from Reynaldo Fornis and Benjamin Palacio III, but their shots were denied by the heroics of Ace Villanueva.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game, they have good shape, and good tactics, they were exactly what we expected,” said head coach Joshua Schirmer after the match. “My expectation was to come in and win the first game, not too concerned about the number goals and things like that. There’s obviously plenty of things to work on but the most important is the three points and we achieve that.”
The second match saw Maharlika Manila FC get into the win column after a 2-0 win over Pilipinas Dragons FC.
New signings Tyler John and Ibrahima Ndour found the back of the net for Maharlika in the 22nd and 47th minutes respectively.
Sunday’s results saw UP still at the top of the standings at six points, while Cebu, Maharlika, and Dragons are all tied in second place with three points.