Santiago de los Caballeros – Juan Castano scored on a header in the final minutes to rescue a 1-1 draw for Atletico Pantoja against fellow Dominican Republic side Cibao FC to start off their Group B campaign in the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup on Thursday night at the Estadio Cibao in Santiago de los Caballeros.
Cibao started off as the more active side, registering the first chance of the night in the 17’ when Carlos Ventura tried a shot from distance that forced a save from Atletico Pantoja GK Mario Marte.
Cibao kept poking and prodding and would be first to find a breakthrough. The goal came in the 34’ thanks to an inch-perfect, surgical pass from Jean Lopez upfield to Ventura, who lofted a chip over the head of the onrushing Marte and finishing into an open net for a 1-0 Cibao lead.
Atletico Pantoja were keen to respond and Ronaldo Vasquez nearly did just that in the 42’, with a shot that went skipping just wide.
Cibao remained on the front foot overall, though, and youngster Angel Montes De Oca nearly completed a well-worked build-up in the 69’ with a right-footed volley that just missed over the crossbar.
Veteran Cibao GK Miguel Lloyd had to stay on his toes to make sure there were no surprises, including on 77 minutes when Vazquez tried to groove a shot past him.
Montes De Oca stayed active at the other end and missed by inches on a left-footed effort in the 83’ that had Marte beat.
Atletico Pantoja had not created much in the way of chances in the second half, but a late set piece bore fruit, as Castano got free in front of goal in the 89’ and headed in a corner kick to earn his side a dramatic 1-1 draw.
Cibao will next face Robinhood of Suriname next week, while Atletico Pantoja will take on Jamaica’s Dunbeholden.
