Match Friday (Jalan Besar Stadium)
7:30 p.m. – Global vs Tanjong Pagar
MANILA, Philippines - Global leaned on seldom-used Aaron Altiche’s big plays as it rallied to force a 2-2 standoff against fancied Tanjong Pagar in the first leg of their semifinal showdown in the Singapore Cup at the Queenstown Stadium Tuesday night.
Altiche assisted on a Misagh Bahadoran goal right on the seventh minute before knocking down his own on the 69th for the equalizer, making their second leg match on Friday at the Jalan Besar Stadium a do-or-die duel.
The winner will move on to the finals against the victor between Baliester and Home United in the other semis match.
Tanjong Pagar leveled the count at one as Ismael Benahmed scored on the 30th before Monsef Zerka struck with a tap-in after Global goalie Roland Sadia only managed to punch the ball inside the scoring area.
Altiche delivered the equalizer after goalie Aurelien Herrison failed to handle a dangerous cross from Jeff Christiaens and left a space for scoring.
“We’re happy (with the draw). We gave them a lot of chances and the game could have gone their way and the last miss from Misagh was a good opportunity for us,†said Global manager Dan Palami.
Global came into the match reeling from injuries and suspensions, giving a lot of minutes to Altiche and Bahadoran, who delivered when the team needed them most.
“I’m reasonably pleased because the lineup is down to the bare bones. Physically, they made it hard for us, but we competed well and worked hard,†said Global coach Brian Reid.