Gadia lifts FC Meralco over Global

MANILA, Philippines — FC Meralco Manila banked on a late strike by sub Daniel Gadia to escape with a 2-1 nail-biter over Global Cebu FC and keep the lead in the Philippines Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium Sunday night.

Gadia, who replaced Franco de la Torre 11 minutes from time, brilliantly eased on a shot into the low corner to deliver the go-ahead at the 86th minute and help Manila beat Cebu for the first time in four games.

The Manila booters hiked their tally to 57 points, three clear of second-running Ceres Negros whereas Global remained at fourth with 44 behind Kaya Makati’s 47.

“All week we had been reminding Gadia to just place the ball on his finishing. In the last 15 minutes of the game he did his job well,” said Meralco coach Aris Caslib of the former University of the Philippines star who scored his maiden goal in the PFL.

After missed chances from Jinggoy Valmayor and Tahj Minniecon early on, Manila hit paydirt at the 31st as Simon Greatwich led a break, dished it to Ashley Flores who outran the defense and delivered it to Minniecon for the nifty finish.