Bali United clobbers Stallion Laguna in Biñan goalfest

Ilija Spasojevic's brace set the tone for Bali United's first AFC Cup win against a Filipino club. AFC

By Ivan Saldajeno

BINAN—For the second straight year, Bali United got the better of a Filipino club in the AFC Cup.

This time around, though, the Indonesian club traveled to the Binan Football Stadium on Wednesday night to put on a show. 

Bali opened its campaign in this season's AFC Cup with a bang, staggering Stallion Laguna on the road, 5-2.

Bali dominated the final 45 minutes to pull away from Stallion Laguna, which was putting up a fight in the first half.

Ilija Spasojevic opened the scoring for the away side with a 27th-minute goal, but Junior Sam, on loan from Mendiola, equalized in the 30th minute to the delight of a good-sized crowd that witnessed an international club football match here for the first time.

Bali reclaimed the lead in the 33rd minute after Haudi Abdillah scored a header off a corner kick.

Finn McDaniel could have tied the match anew for Stallion Laguna, but his penalty kick just before halftime was saved by Adilson Aguero.

Mohamed Rashid then began Bali United's second-half blitz with a 53rd-minute goal, while Rahmat made it 4-1 in the 69th minute.

Spasojevic, who earlier saw his penalty kick only hitting the goal post, finally got his brace with a 72nd-minute strike.

Abe Placito scored a consolation goal for Stallion Laguna in the 88th minute with a header off a corner kick.

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