Singapore: Home United will advance to the AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal Final should the Singaporean side maintain their perfect home record against the Philippines’ Global FC in the second leg of the Zonal Semi-final on Tuesday.
Stipe Plazibat came off the bench to net deep into stoppage time and secure a dramatic 2-2 draw in the first-leg two weeks ago to put Home United in a strong position ahead of the return fixture.
Home United
Home United twice fell behind in Manila but first Adam Swandi and then Plazibat scored what could prove crucial away goals in a game that saw Global’s Amani Aguinaldo sent off.
After losing their opening game in the competition, the Singaporean team won three on the bounce to top Group H ahead of the first-leg draw and are now on a four-game unbeaten run.
With five goals in total, Plazibat is Home United’s top scorer and poses a major threat, as the Croatian’s four-goal haul against Vietnam’s Than Quang Ninh earlier in the tournament proved.
But it is Faris Ramli who pulls the strings, with the midfielder having set up four of his team’s goals in the competition and created 13 chances, as well as weighing in with a couple of strikes of his own.
Global FC
Darryl Robert gave Global the lead two weeks ago and, after Home United equailised, Aguinaldo put the hosts back in front. But, after the defender was sent off for a second bookable offence, Plazibat dealt what could prove a crucial blow at the death.
The side from the Philippines won two of their three away games on route to topping Group F and, after winning 4-2 at Myanmar’s Magwe FC on their last trip out of Manila, will be confident they have the firepower to navigate themselves through a tricky encounter.
Much of that firepower comes from Trinidad and Tobago frontman Roberts, who now has four goals and three assists to his name in the tournament.
Paul Mulders has netted three to date, while Hikaru Minegishi plays the role of provider and has set up a third of his side’s 15 goals so far.
Suspensions: Sirina Camara (Home United); Amani Aguinaldo (Global FC)
Home United (SIN) v Global FC (PHI)
Venue: Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore
Kick-off: May 30, 20:30 UTC+8
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com