GLOBAL TRIPS MERALCO IN PFL SEMIS FIRST LEG; GUIRADO SCORES IN AZKALS RETURN

National team standout Pika Minegishi scored in the 93rd minute as Global Cebu edged Meralco Manila, 2-1, to grab a slender advantage in their Philippines Football League semifinals at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Wesley Dos Santos equalized for Global just before stoppage time with a glancing header off a corner from Minegishi as the Cebu side finished with a flourish.

The Sparks were rewarded for their enterprising play in the 61st minute when Tahj Minniecon slotted home a penalty after he was fouled by Daryl Regala.

Struggling for most of the match, Global came alive late with a comeback that puts Akbar Nawas’ side in a strong position to reach the finals. With their away goal though, Meralco just needs a 1-0 win in the second leg on Saturday to also advance.

The first leg of the other semifinal matchup between Kaya Makati and Ceres Negros starts at 4 p.m. on Sunday at University of Makati Stadium.

Meanwhile, Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Guirado scored in his return to the national side, while Kintaro Miyagi was on target in his debut as the Philippines crushed a youthful Laos side, 3-1, last Friday at the start of the Chinese Taipei Football Association Invitational Tournament at Municipal Stadium in Taipei.

Skipper Phil Younghusband opened the scoring in the 35th minute, before Guirado and Miyagi struck in the second half as the Azkals proved too strong for their Southeast Asian foes in the four-nation tournament which also features Timor Leste and Chinese-Taipei.