On matchday 16 of the Colombian Primera División, América de Cali triumphed with a decisive 2-0 win over their local rivals, Deportivo Cali, at the Estadio Deportivo Cali. Cristian Barrios opened the scoring in the 26th minute of the first half, giving the Diablos Rojos an early advantage. Josen Escobar then sealed the victory in the 61st minute, converting a brilliant shot that found the bottom left corner after receiving a precise pass from Jan Lucumi.
Escobar’s goal was particularly notable for its finesse and accuracy, showcasing his skill in front of goal during a crucial moment of the match. The home team started strong, with Jhon Aponzá hitting the post right at the start, missing an excellent opportunity to put Deportivo Cali ahead.
Despite dominating possession and attempts on goal, with a total of 21 shots compared to America’s 8, Deportivo Cali struggled to convert their chances. Only 6 of those shots were on target, with 1 hitting the upright and 14 going wide.
Cristian Barrios not only scored but also played a pivotal role throughout the match, while Jorge Soto, the goalkeeper for América, was essential in maintaining a clean sheet, making 3 critical saves against the Verdiblancos.
Deportivo Cali’s coach, Alberto Gamero, set up his team in a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Alejandro Rodríguez in goal, while his defense included Fabián Viáfara, Felipe Aguilar, Joaquín Varela, and Andrés Correa. In the midfield, Jhon Aponzá, Matías Orozco, Yani Quintero, and Johan Martínez took to the field, with Avilés Hurtado and Andrey Estupiñán leading the attack.
Conversely, América de Cali’s manager, Alexander Escobar, opted for a 4-5-1 tactical arrangement, placing Jorge Soto in goal and deploying Mateo Castillo, Cristian Tovar, Jean Pestaña, and Omar Bertel in defense, while Josen Escobar, Rafael Carrascal, Cristian Barrios, Andrés Roa, and Jan Lucumi made up a robust midfield. Luis Ramos was stationed upfront.
Referee Jhon Ospina Londoño oversaw the match’s proceedings, ensuring fair play throughout the encounter.
Looking ahead, Deportivo Cali will face Tolima on the road, while América will host Junior at home. Following this defeat, Deportivo Cali remains 12th in the standings with 20 points, while América climbs to 10th place with the same number of points.
Substitutions for Deportivo Cali
45’ 2T – Matías Orozco was replaced by Yeison Gordillo and Jhon Aponzá by Fernando Mimbacas
63’ 2T – Andrey Estupiñán was substituted for Luis Orejuela
64’ 2T – Fabián Viáfara was taken off for Juan Montoya
Yellow Cards for Deportivo Cali
28’ 1T – Felipe Aguilar (Unsporting behavior)
30’ 1T – Matías Orozco (Unsporting behavior)
42’ 2T – Johan Martínez (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)
49’ 2T – Yeison Gordillo (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)
Substitutions for América de Cali
71’ 2T – Andrés Roa was replaced by Dylan Borrero
81’ 2T – Luis Ramos was substituted for Adrián Ramos, Cristian Barrios for Jhon Palacios, and Yani Quintero for Jaider Moreno
90’ 2T – Jan Lucumi was replaced by Luis Paz
Yellow Cards for América de Cali
12’ 1T – Mateo Castillo (Unsporting behavior)
44’ 1T – Luis Ramos (Unsporting behavior)
2’ 2T – Josen Escobar (Unsporting behavior)
12’ 2T – Jorge Soto (Delaying the game)
24’ 2T – Omar Bertel (Unsporting behavior)
45’ 2T – Jan Lucumi (Delaying the game)