SEVEN-time defending champion University of San Carlos (USC) opened its title defense n a winning note but an off-ball incident overshadowed its victory over the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USPF), 2-1, during the collegiate football match of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. on Sept, 21, 2025.
Roberto Luis Aguilar got USPF ahead in the 63rd minute before Player of the Game Johny Cyril Sinoy scored the equalizer 10 minutes later. The match seemed headed to a draw but USPF conceded a penalty three minutes into injury time and Gianrenzo Custado gamely converted the spot kick for the win.
However, an off field incident captured by a fan video has overshadowed USC’s win. In the video, a USPF player wearing No. 79 was seen walking side-by-side with a USC player before suddenly delivering a punch to the abdomen. He then went for the ball as if nothing happened.
Though the incident was not witnessed by the referees as all the players and referees attention were at the mid-court, tournament director Francis Ramirez said he will conduct further investigation on the matter and if warranted will merit additional penalty on the player.
Had a referee saw the incident, it may have warranted a straight red as the intention seemed clear and in the Cesafi, a straight red card, aside from a one-game suspension, merits an additional P5,000 fine and four hours of community service.
“Amo tong i review, tanawon namo kung angayan ba silotan,” said Ramirez, who added he will meet with Cesafi commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy.
A known disciplinarian, Tiukinhoy has shown in the past that he has no hesitation in disciplining players who ruin the name and integrity of the league through unsportsmanlike conduct like the punching incident.
Meanwhile, in the high school division, the University of San Jose-Recoletos and the San Carlos School of Cebu played to a two-two draw. Luis Vincent Fernandez (17) and John Michael Diano (41) scored for USJ-R, while SCSC got its goals from Stephan Marq Cantago (32) and Xyrus Lloyd Maraquio (44th).