AFC Cup: Terengganu completes comeback from 0-2 down, stuns Stallion Laguna in return leg

Sony Norde scored the go-ahead goal as Terengganu rallied back from 0-2 down but this time winning against Stallion Laguna. AFC

By Ivan Saldajeno

BINAN--Just like their first-round meeting, Terengganu fought back from 0-2 down to force a draw against Stallion Laguna at home.

In their rematch on Wednesday night at the Binan Football Stadium, it was almost the same story, but this time, Terengganu had enough time to complete the comeback.

Terengganu grabbed all three points on the road after stunning Stallion Laguna, 3-2, in their AFC Cup group stage second-round meeting.

Stallion Laguna struck first quickly in the third minute as Junior Sam hit from close range to the delight of a good-sized crowd.

Finn McDaniel made it 2-0 in the 14th minute after his long-range effort went in.

However, Terengganu scored one back in an unconventional manner when Matthew Nierras headed a free-kick attempt into his own goal which somehow spoiled Nelson Gasic's early brilliance as the starting keeper in the absence of Hayeson Pepito.

Ivan Mamut then sparked Terengganu's comeback with a 66th-minute equalizer before Sony Norde won it with an 87th-minute close-range strike.

Terengganu momentarily moved up to first place in Group G with eight points while staying undefeated with two wins and two draws.

Stallion Laguna, on the other hand, remained stuck at one point and could be officially eliminated from knockout phase contention if Central Coast beat Bali later Wednesday.

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