FAVORITES Negros Occidental and Cavite scored contrasting victories on Wednesday to advance to the semifinals of the Philippine Football Federation-Smart Under-22 Amateur Football Championship in Bacolod City.
The host Negrenses blanked North Cotabato, 3-0, at North Field in Talisay City, while the Arellano-powered Caviteños squeaked past Bukidnon, 2-1, at the Panaad Sports Complex.
Nigerian striker Eli Usman, Jeff Paparon, and Cameroonian midfielder Madi Taniform emerged the goalscorers for the host side, while Ronald Espinosa struck the marginal goal for Cavite.
“It was very convincing, but we have to be better with our finishing especially in the next round where teams are stronger and we won’t get a lot of chances,” Negros coach John Carmona said.
The most lopsided Round of 8 victory of the day, though, was produced by Davao, which walloped Camarines Norte, 10-0, also at Panaad.
Leo Abunas and Gerald Susuban fired a brace each for Davaoeños, who also found help from Mark Anthony Bugay, James Enegente, Patrick Asoque, Patrick Pacot, Christian Cabantao, and John Michael Mendoza.
Cordillera and Misamis Oriental are still disputing the last semifinal berth as of posting time.
A draw is slated later in the day to determine the semifinal pairings on Friday.