Host Negros Oriental FA drew a superb goal from striker Kat Ramas Uypitching nine minutes from time to nip Cebu, 2-1, yesterday for the solo lead in the PFF-National Women's Open Football Championships at the Silliman University pitch in Dumaguete City.

A day after scoring twice in NORFA's 18-0 whitewash of Sultan Kudarat, the 18-year-old Uypitching settled a fine pass from Nicole Arevalo just outside the box, before unleashing a 22-yard right-footed strike that bounced off the right side of the post and into the goal, sending the home crowd into a frenzied celebration under the rain.

The win pushed NORFA to 6 points for the top spot in Group C, three points clear off Cebu and Iligan, which pulled off the most convincing victory of the tournament so far --- a 21-0 massacre of newcomer Sultan Kudarat yesterday.

NORFA only needs a draw with Iligan when they play 2:30 p.m. today to secure a place in the knockout stage.

Cebu, however, faces a must-win situation in its 2:30 meeting with Sultan Kudarat at the FU field and even needs to surpass the convincing victories of Iligan and NORFA.

Meanwhile, Oriental Mindoro boosted their semifinal chances in Group A, while eliminating Zamboanga with a 7-2 victory Foundation University ballfield.

Oriental Mindoro plays defending champion Davao, an 8-0 winner over Zamboanga, at 10 a.m. today for a semifinal spot in this tournament held in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Oriental Negros, Dumaguete City, FU and SU.

Cebu actually went ahead in the 5th minute after Marlou Solon sent a penalty kick into the right bottom corner to beat Dumaguete keeper Michelle Macatangay.

But NORFA drew level three minutes later through Gessily Estosota, who struck from close-range after she was sent clear by a through ball from Arevalo.

"I'm satisfied with our performance. Our passing was good but Cebu was a very strong team and I'm happy we got the breaks needed in the end," Dumaguete coach Gabriel Bahoyan said. Also scoring twice against Sultan Kudarat were Ruthel Tolentino, sisters Cherry Mae and Lani Anistosa and Arevalo.*CPT

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