Rain Drenched Afternoon Ends in Frantic Draw

A rain delay in the second half did little to dampen a dramatic finish between Kaya Makati and Global Cebu at the University of Makati. Despite two lead changes, the Philippines Football League match ended 2-2, with the final pair of goals coming in the final two minutes of regulation.

“For majority of the game, our defense played well, but split seconds of switching off can cost you a game,” said Makati head coach Noel Marcaida. “Our players performed well. It’s better to have one point rather than none in this game.”

Cebu opened the scoring 25 minutes in, with Shu Sasaki firing in from close range to convert Global’s first chance on goal. Forward Sekou Sylla provided the killer ball, taking advantage of a momentary lapse in concentration from Kaya’s defense. Makati had been in control of the match prior to that point, and continued to edge possession until the end of the period.

Makati’s response came immediately after half-time, with Miguel Tanton releasing Robert Mendy on the right flank. Mendy then rifled a low cross to Jordan Mintah, who tucked in the equalizer. The goal was met with boisterous celebrations, followed by a surge in momentum.

Around the hour mark, though, the heavens opened up and heavy rain started falling, quickly drenching the pitch, making for challenging conditions to play. The officials eventually called a halt to the action in the 73rd minute, allowing the weather to improve before restarting the match.

Kaya picked up where they left off when the game resumed, with Adam Reed testing Patrick Deyto within five minutes. Tanton then fired an acrobatic effort wide. And just as the game was looking to remain at 1-1, the contest took a dramatic turn.

Robert Mendy fired in the go ahead with a minute left in regulation — handing Kaya Makati what looked like a first win in three matches. Found by a great pass by Reed, the Senegalese forward smashed it past Deyto. But Sylla responded just a minute later to once again level the score. He pounced on a failed clearance to fire between the legs of Kaya’s goalkeeper. Despite a frantic finish, neither team could find the winner.

“Going back after the rain it was anybody’s ball game. I think our players held them well and we were able to score. But just a split second of switching off cost us,” said Marcaida.

“Well, what a game. We were disappointed only with the first goal of Kaya because it was very early in the second half. We were just sleeping. But at least in the end, in the last minute, we scored,” said Cebu head coach Marjo Allado.

The result puts an end to a two-game losing skid for Makati, who have six more games to play within the month of July. The draw means both clubs remain rooted in their positions in the standings, with Cebu in fourth (14 pts), and Makati in fifth (11 pts). Kaya Makati next faces Stallion Laguna on Wednesday, 4pm, at Biñan Stadium.