Young Azkals onto the semis after a dominant win against Mendiola

Photo by: Philippines Football League

All the Azkals Development Team needed was the first goal and they immediately got going against Mendiola FC 1991 as they won convincingly to book their ticket to the semifinals of the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara.

The grudge match between the ADT and Mendiola FC 1991 decided the destination of the last semifinals ticket with the Young Azkals proving to be too hot to handle for Dan Padernal's side.

After Dennis Chung was taken down inside the box in the first 15 minutes of the match, team captain Jarvey Gayoso stepped up on the plate and scored the opener from the spot.

That became the ignitor for the Young Azkals side who's been waiting for a goal since their dismal 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifying campaign and they did not disappoint.

On the 29th minute, Dennis Chung danced past the Mendiola back-line to score the second of the game and what could be the contender for the goal of the tournament.

Then the goals from the set pieces came flowing as Christian Rontini scored with a header of his own on the 33rd minute thanks to a corner from the left then a goal for Mar Vincent Diano on the 35th minute courtesy of another corner, this time, from the other side. The Young Azkals sealed their first-half masterclass with a lovely right-footed strike from Gayoso to level with Jovin Bedic in the race for the golden boot.

At the start of the second half, the ADT looked to slow things down and get a breather but immediately went on for the kill. On the 52nd minute, Oskari Kekkonen took a majestic free-kick to find the head of Gayoso who made no mistake and took over of the top-scorer race with his hat-trick.

Fast forward to the 72nd minute, substitute Pete Forrosuelo was taken down inside the box and as expected, Gayoso stepped up to the spot and grabbed his double brace.

The King Eagle himself looked like a man on a mission as he blasted his fifth goal past Jessie Semblante on the 74th minute. Sandro Reyes provided the assist with an incisive through ball for the speedy King Eagle.

Reyes would then get his first goal for ADT in the 75th minute as the Young Azkals reached cloud nine. With this flawless victory, the Azkals Development Team completes the semifinal cast as they'll take on Stallion Laguna FC while Kaya FC-Iloilo faces Dynamic Herb Cebu FC.