Home United seizes late away draw in AFC Cup semifinal against Global Cebu

On Tuesday, Singapore’s squad Home United notched a 2-2 draw against Filipino side Global FC in the first-leg of the AFC Cup ASEAN zonal semifinals.

Home United missed four starters due to injury and suspension. Plazibat, who returned from a calf injury, started in the bench.

First Half

From the kick-off, Global dominated the match. On the 10th minute, Shu Sasaki had the ball in the net for the home side, however his goal was disallowed for offside.

The Filipino side made their dominance count in the 15th minute, when Trinidadian striker Darryl Roberts beat the offside trap to receive a superb pass from Hikaru Minegishi, lifting the ball over Home’s goalkeeper, Hassan Sunny.

However, in the 33rd minute, the visitors managed to equalize the match, when Faris Ramli broke into the penalty area and cut across for Adam Swandi to tap in the first goal for the Singaporean squad.

That was Swandi’s third goal of the season.

Second Half

Seven minutes into the second half, Global FC retook the lead. Inexplicably unmarked Global’s defender Amani Aguinaldo received a swinging corner from Germaine Agustien, sweeping the ball into the net and giving a temporary advantage to the locals.

After this, Home’s coach Aidil Sharin reacted, throwing on Plazibat and urging his men to pile forward.

In the 76th minute, Aguinaldo was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for a tackle on Plazibat.

Numerical advantage gave confidence to the Singaporean squad, as they relentlessly attacked. Aidil introduced forwards Nizam and Marijan Suto.

Still, it was thanks to Hassan’s heroics, that Global FC couldn’t score a third goal.

In the 95th minute of the match, Plazibat took advantage of the last play of the game. He managed to turn in Song Ui-Young’s corner past helpless Global’s goalkeeper, Patrick Deyto.

This was the Croatian’s 18th goal of the season.

“It’s a very good result. Without plenty of key players, we came here and did the job. I can only congratulate my team because we gave a very good fight,” said Plazibat after the match.

With two away goals, Home United are favorites to reach the zone finals.

The second leg will be played on May the 30th on the Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore.