Kaya forces draw with Makassar in AFC Cup
Credit to Author: JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA| Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2019 21:58:22 +0000
Marwin Angeles scored the equalizer at the death as Kaya FC-Iloilo pulled off a 1-1 draw with PSM Makassar to stay on top of their group in the 2019 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup on Tuesday night at the Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, Indonesia.
Veteran midfielder Angeles struck from close range three minutes into the stoppage time, cancelling out Eero Markkanen’s penalty kick conversion early in the second half.
With the away stalemate, Kaya Iloilo remained atop Group H with five points on a win and two draws plus a higher goal difference over PSM Makassar, which also has five markers on the same record.
“It wasn’t our best performance but it was our big heart that allowed us to get that late goal. All in all, we deserved that point,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida.
After a scoreless first half, Makassar’s Markannen—older brother of Chicago Bulls player Lauri—drew a foul from Camelo Tacusalme at the edge of the box and buried the ensuing spot kick in the 56th minute.
Kaya went aggressive in its hunt for an equalizer, with Connor Tacagni, Masanari Omura and Yannick Tuason all producing scoring chances.
The visiting Filipino club was finally rewarded when Philippine Azkals forward Jovin Bedic got a late free kick, setting up the stage for Angeles’ heroics.
Left unmarked inside the box, Angeles controlled the ball from Bedic with his chest then fired it past goalkeeper Rivki Mokodompit in the 93rd minute.
“This point gives us a lot of confidence heading into our home game,” said Marcaida.
Marcaida and his Lions will have a rematch with the Red Fish on April 17 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
Meanwhile, Ceres Negros FC is battling Persija Jakarta FC to keep its hold of the lead in Group G at press time at the Panaad pitch.
At the end of the home-and-away group stage, only the top finishers and the best runner-up from the three Southeast Asian groups will advance to the zonal semifinals.
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