The championship stage is set in the inaugural PFF Futsaliga Men’s Division, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), after Azkals Development Club (ADC) and Enderun Colleges emerged victorious in the semifinals last Sunday, May 10, at the Philsports Arena, the country’s rapidly growing House of Futsal.
The Azkals Development Club (ADC) continued its dominant campaign by overwhelming the University of Asia & the Pacific (UA&P), 7-2, to remain the only undefeated team in the tournament and secure a place in the Men’s Cup Final.
ADC once again displayed their attacking depth and composure under pressure, led by standout performer Christian Gabriel Vendiola, who scored a brace to further strengthen his case as one of the top players of the inaugural PFF Futsaliga season.
Former Philippine men’s national team captain and ADC playing coach Stephan Schröck praised UA&P for putting up a strong fight while emphasizing the team’s focus heading into the championship match.
“They gave us a good fight. We’re so happy we could make it to the finals,” Schröck said after the victory. “So far we have prepared very well for the games, and obviously in the final everything can happen, but we will make sure that we will be prepared.”
Awaiting ADC in the final is Enderun Colleges, which delivered a clinical 9-2 victory over Philippine Women’s University (PWU) in the other semifinal to book their place in the championship showdown on May 17.
The Titans played with intensity from the opening whistle and never looked back, powered by another explosive performance from Theo Appiah, who erupted for four goals to move into a tie for first place in the Golden Boot race.
Appiah acknowledged the challenges Enderun faced throughout the tournament and stressed the importance of consistency heading into the final.
“It has been a great battle since the beginning from the group stages,” Appiah said. “Now that we are heading to the finals, all we need to do is stay focused and consistent.”
Enderun veteran Dominic Tom emphasized leadership and teamwork as crucial elements behind the Titans’ run to the final.
“Of course, the first goal for the team is always to win. My role in this team is to lead and guide my rookies and teammates just to secure that win,” Tom said.
The upcoming final also carries added motivation for Enderun after losing to ADC earlier in the tournament. Appiah made it clear that the Titans are approaching the rematch with confidence.
“We are ready for them,” Appiah said. “During our first game, we lost against them, so now that we are going to meet them in the finals, we are fully prepared.”
Tom echoed the same mindset, highlighting the importance of discipline and trust within the squad.
“It’s always about preparation,” Tom added. “Making sure the team stays focused until the last tournament, listening to the coaches’ instructions, and trusting each other. Hopefully, eventually, we’ll get the championship.”
Meanwhile, the Men’s Plate semifinals also produced explosive performances inside the House of Futsal.
Tondo FC stormed into the Plate Final with a dominant 14-1 victory over Sporting QC despite fielding only six players. With injured star MJ Libre sidelined, EJ Esquilona stepped into the spotlight and exploded for five goals to lead Tondo’s relentless attack.
Joining Tondo in the Plate Final are the PUP Radicals, which extended its winning streak after routing the University of Makati, 7-1. Sean Gabriel Tarrobal led the charge with a brace to earn Bootcamp Player of the Match honors.
The inaugural PFF Futsaliga Men’s Cup Final now promises a thrilling clash between two of the tournament’s strongest teams at the House of Futsal on Sunday. Admission to the Philsports Arena is free and livestream is available via The Philippine Football Federation YouTube channel.
