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| Pa Ousman Gai saved the day for Manila Digger in Cambodia. Manila Digger FC |
MANILA––Manila Digger FC struck late to secure a 1–1 draw against Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC in the first leg of the AFC Challenge League semifinals before a crowd of 16,602 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh.
Pa Ousman Gai delivered the crucial equalizer in the 85th minute, finishing off a cross from the right to silence the home crowd and give the visitors a valuable away goal heading into the return leg.
Svay Rieng had taken an early lead in just the fourth minute, with Tiago Alves converting from close range to ignite the home supporters.
Manila Digger pushed for a response, with Gai coming close midway through the first half, but goalkeeper Virek Dara denied multiple attempts to preserve the hosts’ advantage before the break.
The second half saw both sides create chances, with Connor Shields threatening for the home side, but Manila Digger’s defense held firm until Gai’s late breakthrough.
With both teams ending the first leg in a draw, the decisive second leg shifts to Manila next week, where Manila Digger will look to capitalize on its away goal and secure a historic berth in the final.
