League

Palmarcito
Spectators: 7251 (Terracing: 5474, Seating: 1677, VIP seats: 100) The sun was shining, the grass was green and the audience cheered when Aquiles Giraldo got the match started through his kick off. When Federico Fernanco fell near the penalty area in the 5th minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Columbus's protests and gave Federico Fernanco a yellow card for diving instead. In the 5th minute, Federico Fernanco hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Baldomero Benvido made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Aquiles Giraldo in the 9th minute of play. If Aquiles Giraldo had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 15th minute. The ball went over the crossbar instead. The referee was alert and spotted a serious foul by Ulises Chucho during the 22nd minute. The player immediately received a yellow card. The supporters of Niupi FC booed when Columbus was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 22 match minutes in a wonderful position. Ulises Chucho didn't get a good kick on the ball. Miguel Romelio recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 23rd minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. Federico Fernanco was shown his second yellow card after 31 minutes, following a rather ugly tackle on opponent. That was the end of his participation in the match. A collision led to Columbus getting a freekick after 31 minutes play. Federico Fernanco hit a great ball. In the 34th match minute, Columbus was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Ulises Chucho to maneuver through the defense. Columbus's Baldomero Benvido played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Aquiles Giraldo in the 36th minute of play. After having played for 38 minutes, Aquiles Giraldo managed to get in a good position for a shot on goal. Niupi FC's supporters crossed their fingers, but Aquiles Giraldo was, after a quick turn that froze the defenders, out of balance and shot the ball just to the right of the goal. If Aquiles Giraldo had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 40th minute. The ball went over the crossbar instead. An unexpectedly hard shot by Fernando Esdras in the 41st minute of play forced Columbus's goalkeeper Baldomero Benvido to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. After having played for 43 minutes, Aquiles Giraldo managed to get in a good position for a shot on goal. Niupi FC's supporters crossed their fingers, but Aquiles Giraldo was, after a quick turn that froze the defenders, out of balance and shot the ball just to the right of the goal.

The wind increased when Ulises Chucho made the kick off in the second half. After 54 played minutes Columbus got a freekick which was hit by Cipriano Artal. Columbus's Ulises Chucho got a good chance for a goal in the 65th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. In the 73rd minute, Aquiles Giraldo ran past the defenders and hit a shot which went straight ahead into goal. Baldomero Benvido was frozen by the shot and now it was 0-2. 76 minutes into the match, Columbus's goalkeeper Baldomero Benvido had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Aquiles Giraldo. If Ulises Chucho had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 94th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. The away crowd were delighted with the way their team had played and cheered loudly when the final whistle sounded. Niupi FC walked away with the win, even though the match was close until the end.