By: Icko De Guzman
Last season’s runner-up Manila Digger needed a stoppage-time strike from Yuga Watanabe to salvage a 1-1 draw against Stallion Laguna in Sunday’s Philippines Football League action at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Trailing by a goal deep into injury time, the Japanese midfielder unleashed a half-volley past Jack Landreth to cancel out Ismaila Diallo’s opener, which came three minutes into the second half.
(C) John Mauricio/PFL
“Manila Digger is a strong team, but we worked hard together,” said Diallo, who earned Man of the Match honors. “We were unlucky to concede at the end, but we take something positive to build on as the season progresses.”
The result lifted Manila Digger to second place with four points, behind leaders Kaya-Iloilo, who remain on six after edging Davao Aguilas 1-0 on Saturday, courtesy of a Mike Ott header.
(C) John Mauricio/PFL
In the day’s opening fixture, Ruben Doctora struck in the 32nd minute as Valenzuela PB-Mendiola FC claimed their first win of the season, 1-0, over Philippine Army FC.
League action resumes on Saturday, September 20, at Rizal Memorial Stadium: DB Garelli United makes their debut against Tuloy at 3:00 PM, Stallion Laguna faces Dynamic Herb Cebu at 5:45 PM, and Manila Digger takes on Maharlika at 8:30 PM.
