Cebu not giving up on PFL title hopes despite hitting crucial snag at Stallion Laguna

All hope is not yet lost on Cebu. RM Chua/PFL (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

BIÑAN—Dynamic Herb Cebu still believes that it has some sort of an advantage against Kaya Iloilo in the PFL title race despite the latter getting a huge boost in sealing the championship.

After the Sunday night matches within the CALABARZON region, Kaya Iloilo, which won 4-0 at Mendiola in Imus, is now eight points ahead of Cebu, which settled for a 1-1 draw against 10-man Stallion Laguna at the Biñan Football Stadium here, for first place.

However, despite the snag, Cebu head coach Mehmet Kakil told Dugout Philippines that he will not push the panic button just yet since his club has played two fewer matches than Kaya Iloilo.

"They're up eight points, but we didn't play two games. So it's the same," Kakil said. "That's an advantage for us."

Another advantage for Cebu, according to team captain Baris Tasci, is that the entire club's fourth-round assignments will take place at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Talisay City, and the home field edge could be of good use especially if Kaya Iloilo suddenly cools down a bit down the road.

"Our home games are I think next month. We'll finish all the games here first, and then we do our last home games," Tasci, who served as Kakil's interpreter, told Dugout Philippines.

Kakil then expressed optimism that Cebu will still win it all to complete what would be a dream debut regular season for them.

"At the end of the day, we still have a good chance of becoming the champions. We'll give it all our best to win. The goal is to lift the trophy," Kakil concluded.

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