Meralco-Manila sustained its hold on the top spot in the Philippines Football League over the weekend, leaning on Daniel Gadia’s late goal to produce a 2-1 victory over Global-Cebu at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Gadia’s low shot to the left corner with four minutes before injury time allowed the Sparks to extend their lead over Ceres-Negros to four with 57 points with one match remaining in the quadruple-round eliminations.
Ceres blew a chance to gain a momentary lead over Meralco when it was held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Ilocos United at the Quirino Stadium in Ilocos Sur.
Arnie Pasinabo struck in the 77th minute for Busmen to cancel the opening goal from Ilocos’ Adam Mitter, who volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Roland Muller in the 35th.
Meralco and Ceres are already assured of the top two spots in the home-and-away semifinals which starts Dec. 2.