Philippines Football League Match Report | Rizal Memorial Stadium
In a gripping match last Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Maharlika FC went toe-to-toe with last season’s title contenders Manila Digger, ultimately falling 3-2 in a match that highlighted the progress, grit, and growing tactical maturity of the revamped Maharlika side.
Facing last year’s second-place finishers, Maharlika were seen as underdogs by many, but they pushed Digger to the limit in a match that could have easily ended in a draw or better. Maharlika actually had Digger on the back foot after Maharlika went ahead in the first half on a brave Chima Uzoka effort.
“It was a tough game, we knew what we were coming up against. They were 2nd in the league last season and just missed out on the title,” said Maharlika head coach Moon Hong. “We prepared our tactics specially for this game and it worked really well. They couldn’t really harm us even though they had possession of the ball, but unfortunately we conceded all the goals from set pieces… Although the second goal for them was obviously offside and I do not understand how referees could miss that, but that was the final decision so we will have to move on.”
Despite the loss, Maharlika showed flashes of brilliance throughout, particularly in the efforts of striker Chima Uzoka, who scored twice and consistently troubled the Digger defense.
“I felt a burning desire to improve my performance this game and prove not only to myself but my team that I am capable of representing my position to the highest standard and ability,” Uzoka said post-match. “We didn’t get the outcome we wanted but we’ll learn from this and make the proper adjustments.”
Maharlika midfielder Nathan Rilloraza also praised the team’s cohesion and progress. “From the starting unit to the guys that came in, we were united as one and I’m proud we fought for each other throughout the match… We might’ve got a little unlucky with not converting all of the chances we had and the goals we conceded but there’s still plenty of room for improvement.”
The intensity and competitiveness of the match wasn’t lost on Manila Digger coach Bass Liu. “This was a very exciting match, with the suspense lasting until the very last second,” Liu noted. “Maharlika did very well in tight passing and combining play between the wings and the center. Their key players like Chima and No.6 Kang played crucial roles. I’m very pleased to see that Maharlika has made great improvements this season.”
The result may have favored Manila Digger, but the story of the match was Maharlika’s resurgence. With a new ownership and management, fresh coaching staff, new recruits, and a tactical system that is beginning to gel, the club has given notice that they will no longer be league pushovers.
The Manila Digger coach continued his praise of Maharlika: “From the new management and coaching staff to their tactical system, Maharlika has brought greater competitiveness and more football culture to the PFL. I believe they can finish in the Top 4.”
“With this energy I think we can improve more,” Coach Moon added. “I feel we deserved a draw at least… but we will move on and come back stronger for the next game against Don Bosco Garelli.”
The loss leaves Maharlika on 3 points after 2 games this season, but with performances like this, it may just be a matter of time before results match their ambition.
