In a thrilling encounter on Wednesday, the Mariners secured a crucial 1-1 draw against Terengganu, maintaining their leadership in Group G.
Despite an opportunity to secure an early knockout round berth, Mark Jackson’s team faced a setback with the visitor’s Engku Nur Shakir’s 53rd-minute header putting them behind.
Miguel Di Pizio emerged as the hero for the Mariners, equalizing late in the game and preserving their top spot, one point ahead of Terengganu.
To secure advancement, the Mariners need to match or outperform Terengganu’s result in the final group game on December 13th agaist Stallions Laguna.
The hosts had their first chance after nine minutes when Angel Torres set up Marco Tulio, whose attempt to chip the ball over Suhaimi was thwarted.
Danny Vukovic made a crucial save on 15 minutes, denying Habib Haroun’s long-range effort.
Despite several attempts by both teams, the deadlock was broken by Terengganu in 53rd minute with Shakir’s goal.
The Mariners responded vigorously, with Torres and Jing Reec coming close to equalizing.
In the 83rd minute, Reec missed a golden opportunity with a free header.
The salvation for the Mariners came in the form of 17-year-old Di Pizio, who, after entering the game as a substitute, calmly controlled a cross to the back post before slotting home a goal from close range.
Despite his late heroics, Di Pizio was denied a dramatic winner in stoppage time as Suhaimi made a crucial save, ultimately resulting in a shared point in Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium.
The Mariners now look ahead to their final group game away against Stallions Laguna, aiming to secure their knockout stage berth.