Queen City booters stun PAF, 3-0 in UFL

CEBU’s pride, the Queen City United Football Club (QCUFC), stunned the formidable Philippine Air Force (PAF), 3-0, in the United Football League (UFL) Group C elimination match yesterday at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig City.

It was a sweet victory for the Cebuano team, which had to bank on the efforts of African Pintho Kabulo to log the important win that booked them a ticket to face Bright Star Football Club this Wednesday in Manila.

Kabulo, who is from Ivory Coast in Africa, scored two of the team’s three goals. But it wasn’t only Kabulo who played big as QCUFC’s goal keeper Charles Villarta also had key contributions on defense.

“Before the match, everyone was fired up because we have not played a formidable team like PAF. The win is a huge feat for QCUFC because we defeated a former UFL champion and a former first division team,” QCUFC’s head coach Mario Ceniza said.

Ceniza said another key factor was the players’ inspired efforts both on offense and defense. PAF’s striker Ian Araneta was also not able to play, which was a huge advantage for the Cebuanos. “We came out there and played against PAF motivated and high spirited. I told the boys to play with their own plan because this was our first time to play against PAF and as the game went on we were able to adjust perfectly on offense and defense,” Ceniza said.

Kabulo stunned PAF by knocking a goal in the seventh minute of the first half after a perfectly timed pass from Atel Cahilig. PAF almost tied the match but Villarta defended his post well.

PAF managed to score another goal courtesy of Ahmed Canada in the 19th minute while Kabulo scored the third goal after receiving an overhead pass from Limhar Baunsit in the 38th minute.

PAF never gave up and almost scored another goal but Villarta was there again to save the day. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL