SEA Games squad nips Green Archers United in Copa Paulino Alcantara


Games Wednesday
(Binan Football Stadium, Laguna)
4 p.m. — PH U-22 vs Ceres
(Aboitiz Pitch, Lipa City)
4 p.m. — Mendiola vs Archers
7 p.m. — Air Force vs Stallion

Chima Uzoka scored the only goal of the match as the national U-22 team downed Green Archers United 1-0 Sunday in the Copa Paulino Alcantara at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa City, Batangas.

National U-22 team striker Chima Uzoka goes for a shot during their match against Green Archers United in the Copa Paulino Alcantara. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Azkals)

National U-22 team striker Chima Uzoka goes for a shot during their match against Green Archers United in the Copa Paulino Alcantara. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Azkals)

Uzoka struck a header off a corner by Jerome Marzan in the 50th minute to give the SEA Games-bound squad the full three points and the early lead in Group A of the cup competition.

The win gave the Philippine team an early boost to its quest to gain some confidence before the SEAG men’s football opener on Nov. 25 with the participation in the Copa.

It also moved the national side closer toward a spot in the crossover semifinals.

Up next for the U-22s is match against newly-crowned Philippines Football League champion Ceres-Negros on Wednesday at the Binan Football Stadium in Laguna.

Ceres was held to 2-2 draw by Mendiola FC 1991 in the opener last Saturday.

Its last assignment in the group stage will be on Nov. 6 against Stallion-Laguna.