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SELANGOR HELD BY AREMA IN AFC CUP OPENING MATCH


AFC CUP: SELANGOR 1 - AREMA 1

Arema Indonesia salvaged a point from their AFC Cup Group F opener against Selangor as a late goal by Nigeria-born Indonesia international defender Victor Igbonefo earned them a 1-1 draw against the Malaysia side at Selayang Stadium on Tuesday.


There was a lively atmosphere during the match with fans of both teams providing vocal support well before kick-off. Arema enjoyed early good possession but they were caught out in the ninth minute when the home side broke quickly with Indonesian forward Andik Vermansyah playing a delightful through ball to Paulo Rangel, who drilled the ball past Arema goalkeeper Kurnia Meiga Hermansyah to give his side the lead.


Abdul Shukur squandered the Red Giants' best chance in the 52nd minute when he shot wide after finding himself in a one-on-one situation with Hermansyah. That miss would prove costly when the visitors equalised with 17 minutes left. They were awarded a free-kick on the left flank and Bustomi curled in a delightful ball that grazed Igbonefo's head on its way into the net. While there was disappointment for Durakovic, Arema coach Suharno felt that his side deserved a share of the points.



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