Stallion Laguna ends 2023 in defeat as Central Coast scores road win to enter AFC Cup KO phase

Marco Tulio says a prayer of thanksgiving after scoring the opening goal for Central Coast. AFC

By Ivan Saldajeno

BINAN--Stallion Laguna ended its campaign in the AFC Cup winless after bowing to Central Coast, 3-0, on Wednesday night at the Binan Football Stadium.

Despite a better defensive stand than their first meeting in Australia featuring a bunch of great saves from Hayeson Pepito, Stallion Laguna still could not find the elusive win in their last home stand for 2023.

Marco Tulio struck first for Central Coast with a 23rd-minute flicker that entered Pepito's goalmouth before the ball was kicked out.

While Stallion Laguna played better defense for the rest of the first half to stay in the match, substitute Christian Theoharous converted off a counter-attack in the 64th minute to make it 2-0 for Central Coast.

Tulio then completed his brace in the 79th minute, beating substitute keeper Vinci Valdez at the right side of the goal box.

With the win, Central Coast finished number one in Group G with 13 points after six matches, while Stallion Laguna will finish with only one point to show, a draw at Terrenganu in the first round.

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