SINGAPORE – Mummar Alamara scored six goals as the Philippine water polo team defeated Malaysia, 11-8, in the FINA Water Polo Challengers’ Cup Thursday night at the OCBC Aquatic Centre here.
The 6-foot-3 Alamara, who plays the center/back and center/forward positions, delivered three early goals but his last proved crucial as it scuttled Malaysia’s comeback.
The national team took a 7-3 lead in the second period, but Malaysia came within two goals at 10-8. In the final moments of the game, Alamara converted a goal off a timeout to make it 11-8.
Adan Gonzales added two goals while Aljon Salonga, the top scorer with six goals in a 18-2 win against Zimbabwe last Tuesday, contributed a goal, same with Mar “Maui” Valdez, Paolo Serrano, Filipino-American Vince Sicat and veteran player Roy Cañete.
The victory was the second for the Filipinos after losing the opening game opposite Ireland 12-8. The other win was against Zimbabwe, which the Philippines demolished 18-2 last Wednesday.
More importantly, the win came against a team that has inflected the Filipinos tough losses in various tournaments, including in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games two years ago that cost the Philippines the bronze medal.
Philippine Team mentor Rey Galang said beating the Malaysians was already an accomplishment.
“This is a crucial win for us against Malaysia. It’s been a while since the last time the Philippines won against them,” said Galang, referring to the 2011 win of the Philippines during the SEA Games in Indonesia.
The win also gives the Philippines extra boost as it clashes against unbeaten and defending 27-time SEA Games champion Singapore Friday night at the same venue.
