The team from Davao South Regional FA concluded their PFF U15 Boys National Championship on a high note, salvaging third place after a dominating 5-1 after extra time win over the team from Mount Apo Regional FA at the PFF National Training Center last Friday 28 February 2020.
An all-Mindanao clash saw both sides grinding it out, before the squad of coach Alex Adolfo pulled away, with three goals scored in a six-minute span in the first half of extra time gave them the final place in the podium.
“The tournament had a big impact on the players, from the qualifiers, until here the players have changed for the better,” said Davao-South head coach Alex Adolfo. “It has helped the development of players. Competition has improved and it will lead to the search of the next national talents.”
Davao captain Uriel Dalapo had his 11th minute opener canceled out by Almaigne Kurt Sarip’s free kick in the 52nd minute, sending the game into extra-time.
“If there is another tournament, it will greatly benefit the players,” added Mount Apo RFA head coach Carlo Yalung. “We hope that it will lead to a promising career for the players in the future.”
However, Davao’s timely substitutions was instrumental in their breakaway, with Saidamin Bacol struck in the 96th minute for their go-ahead goal.
Dalapo completed his brace two minutes after that, and Gian Paolo Sartirani added two more in the 102nd and 119th for the final score.
“If not because of my teammates, we wouldn’t have gotten this far. Even if I have scored two goals, it’s for the team,” said Man of the Match Dalapo. “The tournament was a memorable experience to all.”
