Global-Cebu fell short in its bid to become the first Filipino club to win the Singapore Cup after losing to Albirex Niigata, 3-1, on penalties after a 2-2 tie after extra time in Saturday’s final at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Wesley dos Santos and Darryl Roberts missed Global’s first two attempts of the shootout setting the stage for the Japanese-flavored Albirex side to seize control and eventually capture Singapore’s annual cup competition for the second straight year.
The Philippines Football League side forced the penalties after Paolo Salenga cancelled Kento Nagasaki’s 95th minute goal with an equalizer less than 10 minutes before extra time, only to suffer a heartbreaking end to Global’s best run in its four-year participation in the tournament.
“Obviously it’s sad to lose on penalties, but I’m proud that we did to Albirex what many Singapore sides could not do this season,” said Global’s Singaporean coach Akwar Nawas, as quoted by the S.League’s official website.
“Now we have to focus on the PFL playoffs and finish the season well,” added Nawas, whose club takes on either Ceres-Negros or Meralco-Manila in next weekend’s PFL two-legged semifinals.
Global conceded the opening goal in the 32nd on a score by Albirex’s Tsubasa Sano but Dos Santos leveled the count at 1-1 in the 48th.
Chances were begging for both teams until Nagasaki and Salenga scored in extras. (Jonas Terrado)