Southeast Asia

Late Goal Ensures Victory for 10-Men Borneo in Gianyar

Borneo FC Samarinda kept their 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship semi-final hopes alive with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Kaya FC-Iloilo in Group B at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar on Thursday.

An early goal from Mariano Peralta put the Indonesian side ahead in the first half, but the Filipino champions equalized late in the game through Jesus Melliza. However, substitute Dwiky Hardiansyah netted a stoppage-time winner to hand Borneo the vital three points and deny Kaya their first point of the tournament.

Borneo, sitting at fourth in the six-team group after back-to-back losses, came into the match desperate for a win. Despite their dominance in possession early on, it was Kaya who had the first real chances.

In the 15th minute, Shuto Komaki found Kaishu Yamazaki in the box, but the latter dragged his effort wide from 15 yards. Moments later, Melliza’s deep free-kick set up Mar Diano, who headed wide despite being unmarked. Martini Rey then squandered a close-range opportunity as Kaya continued to press but failed to capitalize.

Against the run of play, Borneo broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Stefano Lilipaly played a perfect pass into the path of Peralta, who surged into the left side of the box. The Argentine evaded Diano and fired past goalkeeper Audie Menzi, despite the Kaya captain’s attempt to clear it off the line.

Peralta came close to doubling Borneo’s lead just before halftime when a clearance from Kaya keeper Walid Birrou fell to him at the edge of the area, but his strike flew wide.

Drama unfolded as Borneo were initially awarded a penalty for a foul on Kei Hirose, only for the decision to be overturned by VAR. Borneo nearly added a second goal before the hour mark when Christophe Nduwarugira’s header was spectacularly saved by Birrou.

As Borneo began to sit deeper in defense, Kaya grew more dangerous. Melliza’s speculative long-range effort failed to trouble the goalkeeper, but in the 82nd minute, Kaya equalized with a beautifully crafted goal. Sherwin Basindanan delivered a deep cross from the right, which Komaki cushioned into Melliza’s path. The forward’s low shot from inside the area left Nadeo Arginawata helpless.

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Borneo found a dramatic winner in added time. Arginawata’s long clearance reached Lilipaly, who combined with Peralta. The Argentine’s stunning outside-of-the-boot pass set up Dwiky, whose first-time strike from 20 yards found the bottom corner.

The celebrations were dampened moments later as Peralta received a red card for a rash challenge on Basindanan, but Borneo held on for the win.

Borneo’s victory keeps the Pesut Etam in contention as they prepare for a crucial match against group leaders and already-qualified Cong An Ha Noi in Vietnam on February 6th. Kaya will conclude their campaign at home against Singapore’s Lion City Sailors, still searching for their first points.