This Saturday, the Diablos Rojos triumphed over the hosts, La Equidad, in a thrilling encounter on matchday 15 of the first division. The match was intense, with the score reaching a tense 2-2 before a late goal sealed the victory for América de Cali. Goals came from Adrián Ramos (32’) and Jean Pestaña (36’) for América, while Juan Valencia (11’) and Eduard Banguero (81’) found the net for La Equidad.
As the clock ticked into injury time, with both teams seemingly destined for a draw, Yojan Garcés struck in the 47th minute of the second half to secure the decisive 3-2 lead for his side following a well-executed play.
América nearly stretched their lead earlier in the match when Jhon Palacios hit the post with a powerful shot in the 92nd minute of the second half.
Yojan Garcés was undoubtedly the standout performer, contributing significantly with a goal and two attempts on target. Meanwhile, Yimy Gómez, the goalkeeper for La Equidad, stood out with an impressive 10 saves throughout the match.
David González, the head coach of América de Cali, opted for a 4-3-3 formation, which included Jorge Soto as the keeper; Mateo Castillo, Cristian Tovar, Jean Pestaña, and Omar Bertel in defense; Rafael Carrascal, Josen Escobar, and Andrés Roa in midfield; and Cristian Barrios, Adrián Ramos, and Jan Lucumi up front.
On the other side, Diego Merino’s team deployed a 4-5-1 setup with Yimy Gómez guarding the goal; Yair Abonia, Daniel Rodas, Brayan Montaño, and Yulián Gómez in defense; Dannovi Quiñones, Kevin Parra, Samir Mayo, José Masllorens, and Joider Micolta controlling the midfield; and Juan Valencia leading the attack.
The match referee for this contest held at the Olímpico Pascual Guerrero was Edwin Trujillo Castro.
Looking ahead, the Diablos Rojos will visit Deportivo Cali in the next round, while La Equidad will play at home against Tolima. América aims to continue their momentum in the ever-competitive Vallecaucano derby.
Following the match, La Equidad remains at 17 points, positioned 12th in the league table. Meanwhile, América de Cali sits with 11 points, in 20th place.
Substitutions for América de Cali
63’ 2T – Andrés Roa off for Dylan Borrero
71’ 2T – Jan Lucumi off for Jhon Murillo
72’ 2T – Adrián Ramos off for Yojan Garcés; Kevin Parra off for Franco González
83’ 2T – Cristian Barrios off for Jhon Palacios; Mateo Castillo off for Yerson Candelo
Cautions for América de Cali
13’ 2T Josen Escobar (Unsportsmanlike behavior)
49’ 2T Dylan Borrero (Unsportsmanlike behavior)
Substitutions for La Equidad
58’ 2T – José Masllorens off for Jean Carlos Colorado; Samir Mayo off for Eduard Banguero
80’ 2T – Dannovi Quiñones off for Juan Castilla; Juan Valencia off for Fabian Chaverra
Cautions for La Equidad
33’ 1T Dannovi Quiñones (Holding the opponent to prevent advancing)
31’ 2T Yulián Gómez (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
40’ 2T Fabian Chaverra (Unsportsmanlike behavior)
Red Cards for La Equidad
7’ 2T Joider Micolta (Direct red card)
49’ 2T Kevin Parra (Direct red card)