Dewa United were held to a 2-2 draw by Manila Digger FC in the second leg of the AFC Challenge League (ACGL) 2025/26 quarter-finals at Indomilk Arena on Thursday, March 12. Despite a spirited performance in front of their home crowd, the result was not enough for the Banten Warriors.
Having suffered a 0-1 defeat in the first leg at Rizal Memorial Stadium, Dewa United faced an uphill battle. The 2-2 draw meant a final aggregate score of 2-3, leading to their unfortunate elimination from the competition.
For this crucial encounter, Dewa United’s starting XI featured Sonny Stevens; Edo Febriansah, Nick Kuipers, Damion Lowe, Johnathan Souza; Hugo Jaja; Stefano Lilipaly, Ricky Kambuaya, Vico Duarte, Taisei Marukawa; and Alexis Messidoro.
Manila Digger FC countered with a lineup comprising Omar Njie; Daniel Ashley, Modou Joof, David Sambou, Zachary Taningco; Modou Manneh, Assan Badjie, Baboucarr Touray; Nishioka, Ousman Gai, and Tafem.
In the first half, Dewa United, desperately needing an equalizer, struggled to find their rhythm and create significant scoring opportunities. Their play lacked incisiveness, making it difficult to penetrate the Manila Digger defense.
Their struggles were compounded when they conceded in the 35th minute. A long ball forward from a Manila Digger player saw Stevens rush out of his goal, only to miss the interception. The loose ball in the penalty box was then clinically dispatched into the net by Ousman Gai, giving the visitors a crucial lead.
Despite their difficulties, Flashscore data indicated that Dewa United dominated possession in the first half with 54 percent, taking 5 shots (2 on target). Manila Digger, in contrast, also registered 5 shots (1 on target), making theirs count.
The second half began with further disappointment for Dewa United. Manila Digger extended their lead in the 52nd minute when a header from Modou Joof, stemming from a well-placed free-kick, left Stevens with no chance, forcing him to pick the ball out of his net for a second time.
Dewa United finally found a glimmer of hope in the 66th minute. From a free-kick cross, Damion Lowe rose highest in the penalty box, powerfully heading the ball into the Manila Digger net to pull one goal back.
The home side continued to push, and their persistence paid off in the 81st minute. Once again, it was Damion Lowe who found the back of the net, this time with a close-range shot, leveling the score at 2-2. However, despite their late surge, the match concluded with the score remaining 2-2, confirming Dewa United’s exit from the AFC Challenge League.
Summary
Dewa United ditahan imbang 2-2 oleh Manila Digger FC pada leg kedua perempat final AFC Challenge League (ACGL) 2025/26 di Indomilk Arena. Hasil tersebut tidak cukup bagi Dewa United, mengingat mereka kalah 0-1 di leg pertama. Dengan skor agregat akhir 2-3, Dewa United harus tersingkir dari kompetisi.
Dalam pertandingan ini, Manila Digger sempat unggul 0-2 melalui gol Ousman Gai (menit ke-35) dan sundulan Modou Joof (menit ke-52). Dewa United berhasil menyamakan kedudukan menjadi 2-2 berkat dua gol Damion Lowe pada menit ke-66 dan ke-81. Namun, hasil imbang tersebut mengukuhkan eliminasi Dewa United dari AFC Challenge League.