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.
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.
-JONAS TERRADO
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
