Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 21) – The Clariño brothers scored two goals in the second half as Maharlika FC rallied against Mendiola FC 1991 to win, 2-1, in the Copa Paulino Alcantara 2022 on Monday at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
After a subpar performance in the first half, Maharlika bounced back in the second half despite being limited to 10 men on the field after an injury to defender David Basa early in the match.
Substitute Jean Clariño, who entered the pitch late in the 48th minute, equalized the contest a minute after his entry with a header off a Charlie Beaton corner kick assist.
Jean’s brother Miggy completed the comeback with a goal in the 77th minute, courtesy of another Beaton assist in a running attack towards the box.
Mendiola tried to salvage the match with a draw, but the opportunities from their corner kicks and straight shots were unsuccessful.
Maharlika goalkeeper Henri Bandeken Fong deflected the right foot goal attempt of Mendiola reserve Stephen Appiah in the 94th minute to seal the victory.
“We actually had a very difficult time to start the game. But then we just focused on ourselves individually. When our coach used all players, we decided to give all our best and that gave us the two goals that we needed,” Jean said after the game.
Mendiola team captain Jim Ashley Flores scored the breakthrough goal of the match a minute before halftime.
With the victory, Maharlika has now racked up three points, bouncing back from their opening game defeat against defending champions Kaya FC-Iloilo a week ago.
