Target Man: Izo Elhabib still Global’s biggest weapon

AKTV/Mark Dimalanta

He may not be the most prominent or popular player in a team full of stars. But when newly-crowned United Football League champion Global FC needs someone to step up in the crunch, they often look to Izo Elhabib.

The Sudanese striker has hit key goals for Global throughout the season, and he was the hero of the team’s title-clinching draw against the Loyola Meralco Sparks Tuesday night.

Elhabib’s heroics were evident in Global’s title-clinching match against the Loyola Meralco Tuesday night. After both teams struggled to score for most of the match, Elhabib blasted a high-looping header from the left flank in the 65th minute that bounced its way to the goal to give Global the first point of the game.

Although Loyola equalized minutes after, a 1-1 draw was enough for Global to bag its first United Football League crown. Despite carrying the load for his team during the game’s most crucial moment, Elhabib was quick to deflect the praises to him.

“There is no selfish player here,” Elhabib said. “Before we are a team, we are a family.”

He finished with 13 goals to lead Global, second only to the Sparks’ Phil Younghusband, who won the Golden Boot award. The UFL league crown adds to the amazing career Elhabib has had in the country.

Elhabib, who has been playing football in the Philippines for almost five years, has already netted four championship under his belt in various club competitions, with two apiece at Kaya and Global.

But he said his first UFL league title is extra special to him, crediting the people who have been supporting him and the team, which was not evident in his first titles.

“We have a lot of fans supporting us,” he said. “I feel so great.”

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