![Davao Eagles-University of Makati.](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/10/393355826_858233479211327_1785322731647475990_n-620x394.jpg)
Davao Eagles-University of Makati. –PFL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Davao Aguilas-University of Makati moved one step closer to completing a Cinderella run after a 1-1 draw against Dynamic Herb Cebu in the second leg of the semifinals on Friday was enough to seal an aggregate winning 2-1 and sealing a victory. place in the final of the Copa Paulino Alcantara against Kaya-Iloilo.
A screamer from Paolo Bugas late in the second half gave the Aguilas, the only team outside the Philippine Football League still alive, the cushion they needed to stun the favored Gentle Giants in a heated tie at the Rizal Memorial Stage. a rematch of the 2018 title clash with Kaya.
Kaya previously defeated Stallion-Laguna 4-2 on aggregate to reach the championship match for the fifth time in as many editions.
The Aguilas came into the domestic cup tournament expanded to a record field of 17 to allow amateur, collegiate and armed forces teams to participate, with little to no expectations of a deep run.
But Davao finished second in Group C and eliminated CF Manila, another non-PFL side, in the quarterfinals.
Davao won the first leg 1-0 after Troy Limbo’s goal in the first half.
Cebu failed to reach the finals for the third time in a row and will face Stallion again in a third-place match.
The Gentle Giants tried to level the tie but the Aguilas were resolute defensively, with goalkeeper Dino Ouattara making several saves.
Davao later took advantage of the manpower advantage after Baris Tasci was shown a second yellow card in the second half, and Bugas produced a spectacular goal near the halfway line to the surprise of Cebu keeper Jun Badelic.
Tempers flared during stoppage time after an attempt by Cebu’s Kintaro Hama to pull the shirt of a fallen Kart Talaroc of Davao, prompting players and coaches from both clubs to enter the field.
Cebu’s Ivan Ouano scored a late goal when the match resumed, cutting the Davao lead to one, but it didn’t take long for the final whistle to blow.