Manila Lights Up for Cebu FC’s Shopee Cup Showdown
Cebu FC has business to attend to in Manila. They’re going there to put things right heading into the second leg of their Shopee Cup tie against Kasuka FC with one mission: turn the tables. The first leg didn’t go their way, losing 2-1 last Friday, August 8 in Brunei, but the team knows this is far from over.
The team has one night to turn the result around, this time at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Friday, August 15. A stadium full of history, full of triumphs, and heartbreaks. This stadium has seen legends rise and stars born. It may not be their home venue at Cebu City’s Dynamic Herb Sports Complex, but in spirit and support, it’s every bit a home match. This Friday night, Cebu FC will try to write their own chapter here.
Daniel Gadia, reflecting on the first leg, says, “Kailangan namin full focus on the opponents’ counter attacks, paano namin yun ma-prevent from scoring. We need to capitalize on our chances to get that win on Friday.” And that homecoming feeling is motivating the squad: “We feel more hungry now that we are in our home. Having a close-knit fan base makes my dream become reality.”
Captain Roberto “Papu” Corsame Jr. has rallied the team’s morale: “I told the team to stay positive and believe in ourselves. The first leg is over, and we still have a chance. We just need to work together and fight harder in the next game.”
His game plan is equally direct: “Stick to the coaches’ plan and play with the hunger to win.”
He doesn’t hold back either, saying he wants Kasuka feeling the heat from the first whistle.
“I want them to feel uncomfortable. We will do everything we can to win in the second leg.”
And to the Cebuano faithful, his message is clear: “Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa Cebu Football Club. We will give our best to secure our spot in the group stage, laban para sa bayan, laban para sa Cebu.”
Young standout Kamil Amirul brings energy and composure: “It’s a must-win, and I’m fully ready to step up. Age doesn’t stop me from having a voice and setting the tone when it matters.” He eyes redemption too: “If there’s one moment I’d want to redeem, it would be their second goal. We could’ve defended it better, especially after just getting the equalizer. But now we’ve got the chance to put it right on Friday.”
Kasuka proved dangerous in the first leg with their clinical finishing, so Cebu knows they must stay disciplined and sharp. But the stage is set for a comeback: the lessons are learned, the leaders have fired up the squad, and the young talent is ready to shine.
Cebu FC Match Schedule and Location
This is more than a match. It is Cebu’s chance to rewrite their Shopee Cup story. Cebu FC vs Kasuka FC, Friday, August 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Support the team, fill the stands, wear the colors, and be a part of the fight. Laban Cebu, laban Pilipinas!
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