The Bukidnon Football Association (BUFA) boys needed a superb performance from their reliables in the second half to trounce Davao White team, 4-0, and capture the first ever Mindanao Cup at the Tionko field.

They earned a trip to the Luzon Cup set in Tarlac late next month and PHP30,000 worth of football equipment courtesy of organizer and football patron, Ricky Yanson, of Negros Occidental Football Association (Nofa).

Star striker Kurbe Dairo once again led the Bukidnon squad which is manned by players from Manolo Fortich Central School, Plantation Elementary School in Camp Philips, Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School (OLLES), and Del Monte School in the second half after a scoreless halftime.

Dairo of OLLES dished two brilliant assists and scored a goal all in the second half to insure their victory.

He whipped a left-footed pass to striker Cade Sanchez of Del Monte School who then scored from point-blank in the 37th minute.

One minute later, he found midfielder Prince Aseniero of Plantation Elementary School unguarded at the center during a corner kick.

Aseniero then quickly scored a one-touch goal to put the Bukidnon boys ahead by two goals.

Dairo then completed his all-game brilliant performance with a rocket shot from long distance in the 40th minute to put them beyond reach.

Sanchez then delivered his own long-distance shot in the 47th minute to seal the victory and the title.

It was actually a seesaw battle in the first half with Davao White taking shots in the offense with Anthony Elorde, Carlos Donado and Mohammad Abutazil leading the charge.

The Bukidnon boys, however, put up a solid defense with Jim Fabela, Adriel Algador and goalkeeper Jun Melig taking charge of the back to frustrate the host team.

“We needed just a goal and they collapse,’’ said victorious coach Guillier Sumampong of OLLES.

He added that this tournament is very useful for the team in their preparation for the NMRAA meet in Tubod, Lanao Del Norte in December.

The Bukidnon boys also brought home all of the special awards except for the Best Striker award which Jedd Gabriel Ceballos of Mt. Apo RFA won after scoring a total of 14 goals in the tournament.

Dairo won the MVP award, Melig the Best Goalkeeper award, Algador the Best Defender award, and Aseniero the Best Midfielder award.

The Bukidnon boys advanced to the championship when they downed Mt. Apo Regional FA (Mafra, 4-0, in the morning while host Davao White advanced when it downed sister team Davao Red, 4-2, in the semis. (PNA)