One of the Philippine Azkals’ newest stars has finally tallied his name on the scoresheet for the first time in his professional career.
Jefferson Tabinas is a 23-year-old Filipino-Ghanian defender who was raised in Japan. He helped his side Mito clinch a 2-2 stalemate against Yamaguchi in the J2 League, last Sunday at the Saving Athletic Stadium in Yamaguchi, Japan.
The result leaves HollyHock at 10th place in the standings after 34 matches. They have 49 points and a goal difference of plus-9 on the back of 14 wins, seven draws, and 13 losses.
Tabinas was able to hand his team the lead at the 12th minute with a top header off a set piece. However, Renofa’s Joji Ikegami was able to score the equalizer for his club just three minutes later with a fantastic free-kick.
Come the second half, Renofa was able to gain the lead. Brazilian import Henik Luiz de Andrade headed the ball home off another free-kick at the 61st minute. HollyHock were then able to take home a point thanks to Shota Fujio’s close-range finish at the 76th minute.
Tabinas and the rest of Mito seek to return to winning ways when they take on Okayama on Sunday. The kick-off is 1:00 PM Manila time.
