Ceres FC, Pasargad FC to meet in the finals

MANILA, Philippines – The cast for the PFF-Smart National Club Championship final has been decided after both Bacolod’s Ceres FC and the United Football League’s Pasargad FC won their matches, booking their ticket to the finals.

A spirited Ceres FC is now one step closer to the title after defeating UFL side Kaya FC, 3-1 in the first semifinal match on Saturday, January 26.

The semifinal tie was also Joshua Beloya’s first match against his former club Kaya where he featured last season in the UFL.

The UFL side controlled the early minutes of the first half as they kept Ceres at bay. However the Bacolod-based team struck first blood in the 24th minute.

A throughball from Beloya found Jayson Panhay open inside the penalty area to put the Bacolod side 1-0 up.

Ceres increased the lead right before half time in the 40th minute through Byeong Jun Yoon off a corner.

Come the second half, Kaya pressed on to grab one back and were duly rewarded when Chris Greatwich put Kaya back with a goal in the 51st minute.

However, Kaya’s misery worsened when they conceded a penalty in the 80th minute that was duly converted by Gun Hee Choi to confirm Ceres’ slot in the final.

Pasargad FC win

Ceres now faces Pasargad FC after they dispatched Green Archers United Globe in a highly disputed second game 2-2 (2-1 on penalties)

Four goals, two a piece from both sides, were scored during the first half of the match.

Chieffy Caligdong began the festivities with a goal, followed up by a Jovanie Simpron strike.

Pasargad’s reliency allowed them the return to the match with goals from Charles Ujam and Roza Amirkhizan

However both sides were unable to break the deadlock, forcing the match to be decided via penalties.

Caligdong and Hamed Hajimehdi struck first in the shootout before Floriano Pasilan was denied by Reza Ataei.

Francis Sumudivilla gave Pasargad the lead as Elle Cagayanan and Tommy Escoltero’s chances were denied by Ataei, but controvery ensued as Ataei and Jahambaksh Taher were sent off the match, a second yellow for both after removing their shirts after an Archers penalty.

Archers midfielder Aryee Nii Ayi had a chance to draw level, but his spot kick was denied by the post to confirm Pasargad’s entry to the finals.

The final will be held on Saturday, February 2 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The first match will be the battle for third between Kaya and Green Archers at 4:00pm then the final at 6:30pm. – Rappler.com