At the Manuel Murillo Toro, Deportes Tolima were within moments of another home win when América de Cali found a late route back into the match. For Sergio Aguayo, however, the evening again brought a significant early marker in Colombia: the Mexican forward scored for the second time since arriving from Chivas, even if his penalty ultimately led only to a 1-1 draw.
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Aguayo gave Tolima the lead from the spot in the 22nd minute after Cristian Arrieta was fouled inside the area. The former Chivas academy player took responsibility for the kick and drove it firmly to the right of América goalkeeper Juan Montoya.
It followed the forward’s scoring debut for Tolima, when he netted in the club’s 2-1 comeback victory over Llaneros. His immediate contribution has offered encouraging signs in the opening stage of his Colombian spell.
América responded quickly in the first half. Yeison Guzmán levelled four minutes after Aguayo’s opener, in the 26th minute, before Jhon Murillo had a goal ruled out in the 37th minute that would have put the visitors ahead.
The match became increasingly tense after the interval, with Tolima trying to preserve their advantage and América pushing higher in pursuit of a point. Both sides ended the contest with 10 men: Murillo was sent off in the 37th minute, while Kelvin Flórez received a red card in stoppage time, at 90+2.
Despite Tolima’s long spell in front, América secured the equaliser in the second minute of added time. The 1-1 result keeps América among the leading sides in Liga BetPlay, while Tolima had to settle for a point after holding the upper hand for much of the night.
