MANILA, Philippines — Kaya FC Iloilo banked on Marwin Angeles’ late heroics to dramatically salvage a 1-1 draw with PSM Makassar and maintain pole position in Group H in the AFC Cup yesterday at the Pakansari Stadium in Bogor City, Indonesia.
Just as the Indon side and their home fans were ready to celebrate, Kaya spoiled the party with a 93rd set piece with a composed Angeles completing Joven Bedic’s free kick to deliver the last-gasp equalizer.
Iloilo and Makassar now have five points apiece after three games but the Philippine squad get the summit due to superior goal difference.
Meanwhile, Ceres Negros FC seeks a strong showing against Indonesian powerhouse Persija Jakarta tonight at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod in a bid to keep the lead over in Group G.
The Busmen have racked up back-to-back victories at the expense of Myanmar’s Shan United (3-2) and Vietnam’s Becamex Binh Duong (3-1) to start their campaign and the goal is to maintain this trend in the 7:30 p.m. duel with second-running Persija (four points on a win and a draw).
“It’s a very important game for both teams; both will be fighting for the win and everybody is expecting a very hard game,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic, whose wards are squaring off with an Indon club for the first time.
“We have a tough opponent and they’re also fighting to be on top so it’s a very crucial game. Our motivation is to stay on top,” he added.