PFF Futsaliga semis race tightens after Matchday 6

The race for Cup semifinal berths intensified as Matchday 6 of the PFF Futsaliga, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, unfolded April 19 at the Philsports Arena, where contenders in both the women’s and men’s divisions delivered crucial results inside the country’s House of Futsal.

With only one matchday left in the elimination round, FEU and Beach Hut FC have already secured women’s semifinal spots, while the Azkals Development Club remained the lone unbeaten side in the men’s division.

The University of Makati opened women’s play with a dominant 12-1 win over Forza FC, strengthening its late push for a semifinal berth. Taif Salama powered the Herons with five goals and earned her third Bootcamp Player of the Match award.

In the day’s marquee women’s matchup, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and Beach Hut FC battled to a 0-0 draw, a result that showcased discipline and tactical organization from both sides. Tenelyn Otom anchored Beach Hut’s defense and earned Player of the Match honors after helping neutralize FEU’s attack.

The draw preserved the unbeaten records of FEU and Beach Hut, while formally keeping both teams in the Cup semifinals picture as qualified sides.

Azzurri SC also kept its campaign alive after edging Philippine Women’s University, 4-3, behind a late-game surge. Stephanie Braga scored a hat trick, while Bianca Sy added a vital goal in the closing minutes to secure Azzurri’s second win of the tournament.

ADC strengthened its women’s semifinal bid with a 4-2 victory over Enderun College. Caitlin Panilan gave ADC control early by scoring twice within the opening five minutes.

The result kept ADC in contention with Enderun and UMak for the final two women’s semifinal slots, but head coach Segundo Saluria Jr. said the team still has work to do.

“need talaga namin must win, kasi ang standing namin ngayon isn’t safe, may matalo na isa, laglag,” Saluria said.

In the men’s division, UMak earned its first win of the tournament with a convincing 6-1 victory over Sporting QC. Dyn Rebosura led a balanced team effort and was named Player of the Match.

“Kinompose namin ang sarili namin, more on passing, more on communication. Nag-improve kami as a team, as one,” Rebosura said.

Rebosura, a transwoman, also praised her team, the league and the PSC for helping provide a safe space for LGBT athletes in the Futsaliga.

“tinitignan talaga kung ano ang skills mo, ano ang contribution mo… ito ang magiging start na hindi lang pala straight ang pwedeng maglaro ng futsal. Ang maganda sa PFF at PSC, di nila jinudge ang gender ko para maging Player of the Match,” Rebosura said.

The rivalry match between the University of Asia and the Pacific and Enderun College delivered one of the most dramatic games of the tournament, with UA&P pulling out a 6-4 win. Captain James Benedict Rufin and Vonn Mirabueno scored the decisive goals in the final minutes to strengthen UA&P’s position in the top four.

ADC reaffirmed its control of the men’s division with a hard-fought 3-2 win over previously unbeaten PWU. Kenzo Chua led ADC’s strong first-half performance and earned Player of the Match honors.

The win left ADC as the only undefeated team in the men’s division and strengthened its Cup bid entering the final elimination matchday.

Tondo FC also stayed in the hunt after a commanding 7-3 win over the PUP Radicals in their Manila derby. MJ Libre continued his scoring run with a hat trick, giving Tondo its second straight win and keeping the club firmly in semifinal contention.

ADC’s unbeaten run, UA&P’s clutch finish and Tondo’s resurgence have tightened the men’s standings heading into the final matchday.

The PFF Futsaliga’s format has turned the final elimination games into a high-stakes race, with every goal and result carrying implications for the remaining Cup semifinal berths.

The league, backed by the PSC, continues to serve as a platform for Philippine futsal development by giving school-based and club teams regular elite-level competition.

As the final matchday approaches, the Philsports Arena is set to host a decisive round in which emerging contenders, unbeaten teams and late-surging squads will determine who advances and who falls short in the race for futsal glory. (PFF)