Midlifescape: PFF U22: Bukidnon runs riot, bulldozed Iligan 7-2, tops Group E

Iligan players celebrated after Bhai's second goal

Surigao City - Bukidnon surprised Iligan with an aggressive play that they were not able to counter in the final game of the Group E stage of the Philippine Football Federation Under 22 Championships.

Bukidnon which was stymied by a draw with One Surigao on November 26, fought like there is no tomorrow. The route was set when striker Clayton Bhai forced an own goal on Aljur Anor in the 13th minute. Iligan however lost no time as main man Ariel Saren answered in the 20th minute with his own, leveling up the game at 1-1.

It remained that way until Bukidnon grabbed the lead with a goal at the 37th minute courtesy of Anthony William Pen. Three minutes later, Bukidnon struck again with another goal. Juanito Daga-ang struck a goal at the 40th minute. Slowly, the title was slipping away from Iligan which only needed a draw to advance to the finals.

Clayton Bhai's goal at 47th minute

Clayton Bhai's goal at 48th minute

Then, the riot began at the beginning of the second half. Claython Bhai sneaked himself in the right side and slotted a goal at the 47th minute. Right after the ensuing kick off, Bukidnon again attacked the goal and Claython Bhai circled Iligan Keeper Arnold Madayag leaving the hapless defenders to protect the goal but to no avail. Bhai scored another goal in the 48th minute. The Iligan defense was non existent.

The Iligan collapse continued when in the next play, Clint Augustine Tomines fired a screamer and completed it in the 49th minute. Three goals in three minutes and Bukidnon is unreachable with a 6-1 tally.

Timones' goal at 49th minute

So confident was the Bukidnon bench that the coaching staff removed stalwarts Aljobert Mahilum and Clint Augustine Timones with still plenty of time in the game.

Iligan got some consolation after Ariel Saren scored in the 83rd minute. That goal however was answered when Clayton Bhai struck another goal in the 86th minute to make the final tally and complete the domination.