The Red Devils struck first in the series against La Equidad

América de Cali got off to a winning start in their 2024 Copa BetPlay Round of 16 series, defeating La Equidad 2-0 at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium . Returning home after 160 days, the Red Devils celebrated the victory in front of 11,982 fans.

The scoring opened in the 18th minute. A free kick taken by Duván Vergara from the wing was headed by Éder Balanta . The La Equidad goalkeeper deflected the ball, but it rebounded off defender Daniel Polanco, who sent it into his own net. The home side capitalized on the momentum and nearly extended their lead just four minutes later when Harold Rivera rattled a powerful shot against the post.

América continued to press, and in the 25th minute, they scored their second goal. Jader Quiñones , in a quick combination with Yojan Garcés, nutmegged a defender, entered the box, and with a precise left-footed shot, beat goalkeeper Andrés Pérez to make it 2-0. The Red Devils kept searching for a third goal, but a goal by Garcés in the 37th minute was disallowed for offside.

In the second half, the Valle del Cauca team maintained their dominance. In the 60th minute, Duván Vergara tried again with a long-range shot that was saved by the visiting goalkeeper. Seven minutes from the end, Felipe Gómez came close to sealing the victory, but his powerful shot from outside the box crashed against the crossbar.

With the final whistle, América secured a significant advantage heading into the second leg, which will be played next Wednesday, October 2nd, at the Nemesio Camacho El Campín Stadium. Jorge Da Silva 's men will be looking to seal the series and advance to the quarterfinals of the BetPlay Cup.