NEGROS Occidental and Davao dispatched respective foes on Friday to arrange a final showdown in the Philippine Football Federation-Smart Under-22 amateur football championship at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
The host Negrenses tripped Cavite, 1-0, before the Davaoeños outdueled Misamis Occidental, 5-2, to seal the finale set on Sunday.
Charles Barberan struck the lone goal that mattered for the Negrenses against the Arellano-powered Caviteños in a battle between favorites.
The 18-year-old University of St. La Salle star converted from the penalty spot 15 minutes into the match, a goal that proved enough after the hosts bungled the rest of their chances.
“We just need more composure in front of goal, but at least we’re in the finals,” Negros coach John Carmona said. “I’m hoping that we can play better in the next game.”
Davao, on the other hand, emerged victorious in a fast-paced encounter against Misamis, pouncing on its opponent’s miscues to roll to the one-sided win.