The PFF U19 Boys National Championship First Division found itself it’s second champion after Stallion FC bested National Capital Region FA, 1-0, in the final last Thursday 24 August 2023 at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Talisay, Cebu.
Bacchus Ekberg’s 80th minute spot kick sealed the deal for Stallion, becoming the first team from the second division last year to win the U19 championship.
NCR almost had a breakthrough in the 26th minute. NCR skipper Daniel Christensen converted the initial penalty after a foul by Nathan De Ocampo on Kristien Elopre in the 23rd minute. However, the penalty was retaken after an encroachment in the box. Up stepped Christensen again, but saw his effort hit the post and out.
Stallion also had their chances from Andrei Gonzales and Joaquin Collo but were off target.
Stallion finally found the breakthrough 10 minutes from time. Substitute James Detera broke free of the NCR defense and made his way to the box only to be clipped by Christensen which left the referee with no choice but to award a penalty for Ekberg to convert.
Gonzales had a chance to finish off NCR late in the match but his shot from the one-on-one was just inches wide.
The Battle for Third Play-off saw Panay FA claim third place after a 2-1 win over Central Visayas FA. Mark Estancion and Kent De La Pena scored for Panay while Theo Libarnes scored a consolation for Central Visayas.
