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| Photo from PFL |
by Drew Malihan
MANILA - A stoppage-minute goal puts Manila Digger one step ahead against a struggling Philippine Air Force FC side as they go head-to-head in the 2024 Philippines Football League at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
A scramble inside the box from a Jeon Sang-cheon pass nine minutes into stoppage time sends the ball to substitute Daiki Jahana, who puts the ball after a failed save from Zaldy Abraham with added pressure from Eric Giganto.
Digger was the chasing side of the two, as an attack from Jan Delariarte sent the ball to Angelo Obero, who beats Christian Bacara's defense and kicked the ball past Joshua Jalog's guard to give the Airmen the 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.
The Crew tried to put the ball past Abraham's guard to end the first half but to no avail as the back four of Air Force prevented any close chances, added by some Abraham heroics at the goalpost.
With Rodolf Bebanco on the sidelines receiving treatment, Digger capitalized on a temporary ten-men Airmen as Ashley Flores beat two defenders and Abraham to level the terms in the 59th minute.
A collision between Abraham and Johnmar Barsanilla stopped the game as the Air Force keeper limped his way back to the goalpost, only to hold on until the last minute of stoppage time.
With the win, Digger grabbed all three points to put their total at 18, while Air Force suffered their tenth defeat of the season.
Manila Digger will meet another struggling side in Manila Montet on July 6th, as the boys in blue will meet the Air Force side first next week.
Follow him on X: @DMalihan_DPH
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