Ouano: Playing for Cebu 'a dream'

Photo from Philippines Football League.

by Drew Malihan

CARMONA - Ivan Ouano is living the dream.

The 23-year old Cebu native has been in the professional football scene since 2020, has been part of Dynamic Herb Cebu Football Club at the start of the current season, and now seeing playing for the Gentle Giants a dream of his.

Dream combination actually kasi parang pride na rin ito as a Cebuano, kasi doon ako natutong mag-football until where am I now [It's a dream combination actually because it is comparable to my pride as a Cebuano, as (Cebu is) where I learned football until where I am now,) Ouano said in a combination of English and Tagalog."

The former National University Bulldog and Azkals Development Team member figures in a 3-1 victory against Mendiola  FC 1991 last Saturday, where he saw action in the second half, scoring the icebreaker goal to start the Cebu dominance in the final 45 minutes.

He speaks up on his role coming off the bench for DH Cebu.

"At first habang nasa bench kami, we're just watching the game and learning, and studying the game kung anong pwedeng maicontribute sa pagpasok namin, (At first, when we're on the bench,  we're just watching the game and learning, studying the game looking for whatever  we can contribute the moment we're  subbed in), he said."

And contribute he did as he was named Man of the Match for the final meetup between the boys from Mendiola and the Mehmet Kakil-led squad.

Ouano also addressed about the tactis of Kakil, who seemed to be a bit furious on the lack of chances from the Gentle Giants.

"We have to score kasi since first half walang masyadong finishing (We have to score since first half,  there is not  much finishing),  said Ouano, referencing the lack of any significant scoring opportunities between the two sides.  "Sinabi lang ni coach is make sure maka-score then attack, attack, attack.  (Our coach just said that we have to score and then attack, attack, attack.)

The 23-year old, along with fellow Cebuano Kintaro Miyagi and Ivorian forward Marius Kore delivered the goods for the boys in white as they take the spot away from then league-leaders and bitter rivals Kaya.

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