Lawrence Baguio ensured that Maharlika Taguig FC remained in contention for a top-10 finish as his 90+3rd winner sealed the three points in their win over Philippine Army FC in Saturday’s Philippines Football League at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
With the torrential rain falling right at the death, Baguio struck from close range off the free kick to keep Maharlika in eighth place with 16 points.
Gael Basana had the initial opportunity for Maharlika in the 14th minute, but his looping header was collected by John Kent Delariarte.
On the other side, Jimuel Ariola had the chance to put Army up one minute later but Jimuel Ariola’s shot was directed straight to Mamadou Sene.
Sene was again called to action in the 28th minute with a timely touch just when Roynick Bernardo was sent free from the through ball.
Basana thought he scored with the chipped effort past Delariarte in the 43rd minute but Jemark Contes made the clearance.
Lucas Del Rosario, who has been leading Maharlika in recent games, had the biggest chance of the match in the 55th minute but he struck it towards the cross bar.
Just as when time was running out, Baguio met the free kick to hand Maharlika a much needed victory.