WINNERS. Mark Cantos celebrates along with his Negros Occidental teammates as he scored the marginal goal for his team in the semifinals of the PFF U15 Boys National Championship on Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2020) at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona. Negros Occidental claimed the first seat in the final of the PFF U15 Boys National Championship after taking down Davao-South, 1-0, in the semifinals. (Photo courtesy of PFF)
MANILA — Negros Occidental claimed the first seat in the finals of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) U15 Boys National Championship after taking down Davao-South, 1-0, in their semifinal game on Wednesday at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Mark Cantos' goal made the difference as Negros Occidental, a known football hotbed, is heading to the championship game on Friday back at the said venue.
Cantos took advantage of a short clearance from Davao-South keeper Mattheus Lim as the former struck the ball from 12 yards into the latter's net in the 70th minute which turned out to be the lone goal for the match.
"The boys did their best in the match. Our preparation may have been short, but because of their diligence, perseverance, and sacrifices, their performance paid off that led to the victory," Negros Occidental coach Ronald Treyes said.
However, Negros Occidental will be without Leoven Gatungan in the final as he and Davao-South's Gian Sartirani were each given a red card for a scuffle late in the semifinal.
Negros Occidental will play the winner of the other semifinal match between the National Capital Region and Mount Apo in the finals.
NCR and Mount Apo will collide later Wednesday. (PNA)
