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Mendiola draws with Global Makati on late Balabat strike

By Ivan Saldajeno

LIPA--Mendiola got a sigh of relief late in its PFL contest against Global Makati as both teams settled for a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at the Aboitiz Pitch.

Nimrod Balabat's late goal broke the hearts of Global Makati as the club came just a few minutes shy of breaking its current winless streak before he struck the equalizing goal for Mendiola.

Global Makati thought it was holding on as it took a 1-0 lead off a 37th minute penalty by Paolo Salenga.

However, the team could not secure the possession after Dini Outtara's long kick, and the ball ended at Roberto Corsame, who passed the ball to Ash Flores, who then found Balabat wide open after Flores faked Jun Tripulca for the 85th minute equalizer.

Mendiola slightly strengthened its hold of fifth place as it moved up to 12 points, but the draw opened an opportunity for Air Force, which will face Ceres Negros later Saturday, to steal fifth spot with a shock win.

Global Makati moved up to six points, but still remained at the cellar.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno