In a lively match, Manta FC drew 1-1 this afternoon with Independiente Junior in the first leg of this playoff matchup in Liga Pro's Serie B, which will grant a promotion spot to Serie A next year.
The visiting team, led by Wilter Ayoví and Luis Saritama, created several high-risk plays for the local team's goal defended by Uruguayan Nicolás Gentilio.
The goalkeeper of the home team avoided multiple low shots from Ayoví or Renmy Jaramillo.
Despite this, it was Manta FC that opened the scoring in the 37th minute, after a confident play by Cristian García who controlled the ball in the visitor's defense, turned around and passed it to defender Alexander Mendoza, who scored with a well-placed shot against the visiting goalkeeper, Édison Recalde.
Independiente had the chance to equalize in the first half after referee Carlos Orbe awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute, following a handball committed by Jimmy Gómez in the area; two minutes later, Gentilio saved Ayoví's shot.
The equalizer for the visiting team came in the 77th minute, after Independiente's midfield recovered a lost ball by Francisco Rojas, who had just entered the pitch.
The goal was scored by forward Luis Cano, who reached the back of the defense and then passed the ball back for Johao Chávez to strike with his right foot and beat Gentilio.
In the remaining minutes, the home team couldn't take the lead against a rival that, by drawing on Sunday at home, qualifies for next year's Serie A tournament. (D)