Stallion Laguna had a challenging debut on the continental stage, losing 2-5 to Indonesia’s Bali United in the 2023-2024 AFC Cup group stage on Wednesday night at the Biñan Football Stadium.
Coach Ernie Nierras’ men found themselves trailing by a goal before halftime. Ilija Spasojević gave the visitors the lead 27 minutes into the match, and then Junior Ngong Sam equalized for the home side just three minutes later.
Haudi Abdillah then scored Bali United’s second goal of the match in the 33rd minute, while Spasojević missed a penalty that was awarded after Stallions’ goalkeeper, Hayeson Pepito, committed a foul inside his box.
Griffin McDaniel could have equalized once more for Stallion before halftime, but his penalty was saved by Bali United goalkeeper Adilson Maringà. McDaniel’s miss paved the way for Bali to come out strong in the second half.
Mohammed Rashid gave the Indonesian side a two-goal cushion in the 54th minute, and then Muhammad Rahmat sealed the win in the 69th minute. Spasojević then completed his brace and sealed the rout in the 72nd minute.
Abraham Placito added a consolation goal for Stallion in the 88th minute.
The two teams will return on October 4th. Stallion will face Central Coast Mariners away in Gosford, Australia, while Bali United will host the Malaysian side Terengganu in Bali, Indonesia.
Stallion Laguna XI: Pepito (GK), Mendoza, Jarvis, Placito, Nierras ©, Bonanken, Trujillo, Rilloraza, Ivanobski, McDaniel, Ngong Sam.
Bali United: Maringà (GK), Idrus, Dolah, Abdillah, Bessa, Widnyana, Tito, Setiawan, Mbarga, Spasojević ©, Jaya.
