Having scored twice early on was Loyola Meralco Sparks' incentive after Kanbawza FC scored twice in the second half for a 2-2 draw that saw the Philippine based side advancing to the semifinals in the RHB Singapore Cup last Sunday with a 5-3 aggregate scoreline after the first leg ended 3-1 in favor of Loyola Meralco.

For Loyola Meralco, the semifinal ticket was beyond expectations for the squad, who were invited by the Football Association of Singapore to participate, after a dismal campaign in the United Football League where they faltered at the latter part of the season, ending up in third place behind champions Global FC and runner up Kaya FC.

Goals from James Younghusband and Jake Morallo sealed the deal for Loyola Meralco despite Kanbawza scoring twice in the second half from Samuel Hanson and subsitute Khaing Zaw Tun to draw the match.

Loyola Meralco midfielder Anto Gonzales noted on the team performance, "It's beyond my expectations, the team grew throughout the competition, from the first round to the quarterfinals, and had discipline. Those were the things that contributed to our win in this quarterfinal round."

The team will face, arguably their toughest opponent in the tournament in Tampines Rovers, who are currently the defending champion of the S.League.

The semifinal is already slated for October, and will fall in the time when the UFL returns for yet another season.