Missed opportunity stalls Global; Singapore nets 2 crucial goals in draw

Ten-man Global Cebu was left to rue a missed opportunity to seize a decisive edge after it was held to a 2-2 draw by Home United of Singapore in the first leg of their AFC Cup Asean zonal semifinal tie Tuesday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

A header from Stipe Plazibat in the final play of the match denied the home side a victory that would have handed the Philippines Football League powerhouse an advantage heading into the second leg on May 30 in Singapore.

But while the semifinal is locked in a 2-2 tie, Home United walked away as the happier of the two teams after picking up two away goals that would come in handy in the second leg. As it stands, Home only needs a goalless draw or a 1-1 stalemate to advance to the finals.

Global also found itself in a tough situation with Amani Aguinaldo suspended for the second leg after picking up two yellow cards in the space of five minutes in the second half, leaving Global to fight it out with 10 men in the last stretch of the match.
“It’s going to be difficult but we’re still confident that we can go to Singapore and get a result,” said Global goalkeeper Patrick Deyto.