AFC Challenge League
The stalemate moved Manila Digger to four points and they will need to beat Shan United FC on Saturday for top spot, while Hang Yuan take on Kasuka.
Manila Digger started on the front foot and threatened in the 15th minute, with Dilane Wamba Tafem finding Saikou Ceesay inside the box, only for the Gambian forward to send his overhead kick wide.
The Philippines side’s pressure paid off five minutes later when Baboucarr Touray found a way past his markers before firing a powerful low drive from above the box into the bottom right corner, leaving Odo Jacobs with no chance.
Hang Yuan struggled to contain Manila Digger’s pace and almost conceded the second after failing to clear Dilane Wamba Tafem’s cross into the box, leaving Ceesay to pounce and smash his effort against the bar,
The Chinese Taipei side grew into the game and came close to equalising in the 39th minute when Shingo Koreeda forced a fine save from Omar Njie, who was beaten seconds later from the ensuing corner following Lin Hai-cheng’s glancing header into the net.
Group E: New Taipei City Hang Yuan FC (TPE) v Manila Digger FC (PHI)
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Manila Digger, who cruised 5-0 past Brunei Darussalam's Kasuka FC in their opener, pushed to regain the lead after the restart but wasted another opportunity in the 52nd minute when Ceesay’s tame effort was comfortably saved by Jacobs.
Another chance went begging for the Philippines side in the 68th minute when Touray slipped a fine pass through to Ceesay, only for the ball to run beyond the forward’s reach.
