Cusco FC came back from 2-0 down for a third consecutive 2-2, this time against Sport Boys

Tuesday, 13 April 2021, 1.15 pm local time (6.15 pm UTC), Alejandro Villanueva Stadium, Lima (neutral ground), Peru, 4th round of the Peruvian First League, Stage 1 (Apertura).

Cusco FC continue their winless run in the beginning of the 2021 season, and it could end in a defeat. Both against Cienciano and Alianza Lima, in their two previous games which ended 2-2, Cusco FC had the score in their advantage, 1-0 and 2-1, only to be equalized again. This time, Sport Boys led 2-0 at half time, and Cusco FC had to come back in the game and to equalize.

Actually, the two very spectacular goals scored by Sport Boys came rather unexpectedly, given the almost total dominion of Cusco FC in the field. However, this prolonged possession did not result in too many goal opportunities, while Sport Boys were very effective. A superb shot by Luis Ramírez from the left side to the far post gave them the lead: 1-0 (27'). A free kick executed by Abisab went very close (41') but instead of 1-1, it was 2-0 in the last minute of the first half, when Sebastián Penco's shot from range hit the target after a counterattack (45').

Carlos Ramacciotti sent Alfredo Ramúa in for the second half, and Cusco FC became more dangerous. They exerted an almost total control of the game in the second half, putting a lot of pressure on the opposite defense, and therefore they succeeded to equalize. Both goals came from set pieces, executed by Ramúa. First, from the right side, Ramúa sent a cross, Montes lightly headed the ball, which also touched Jesús Chávez before getting inside the net: 1-2 (57'). Then, Ramúa executed perfectly a free kick from an excellent position, just outside the area: 2-2 (71').

Alfredo "Chapu" Ramúa equalized from a free kick. Source: dechalaca.com (FPF)

In the last twenty minutes, Cusco FC reduced their pressure and Sport Boys tried also to score the winning goal. The biggest chance belonged however to Cusco FC: after a nice combination with Barreiro, the same Ramúa was in a great position inside the box, but goalkeeper Álvarez saved miraculously (87').

Cusco: Nicosia - Velásquez (Caraza 80'), Figueroa, Rizzo, Céspedes - Gonzales, Aucca (Ramúa 46') - Rengifo (Barreiro 80'), Abisab (Aubert 67'), Mendoza (Villano 46') - Montes. Manager: Carlos Ramacciotti.

Sport Boys: Álvarez - Cabello (Aguilar 75'), Jímenez, Ampuero, Bolívar - Carranza (Torrejón 84'), L. Ramírez - Alarcón (Nungaray 46'), Chávez (D. Ramírez 60'), Villamarin (Mimbela 75') - Penco. Manager: Teddy Cardama.

Referee: Augusto Menéndez.

Yellow cards: Abisab 29', Aucca 42', Figueroa 66', Rengifo 67', Aubert 89' - Chávez 9', Jímenez 38', Ampuero 47', Cabello 60'.

Red card: Teddy Cardama (Sport Boys manager) in the second half.

For Cusco FC, this draw is better than nothing, but they still need to win. While Abisab is a good player, and may become an excellent playmaker, he is still not at the same level as Ramúa, and the game changed completely when Ramúa was sent in, and actually both played together for more than 20 minutes. The absence of injured Rivera and Carranza was another setback for Cusco, which only had Rengifo to run and create danger on the wings, while the youngsters Mendoza and Villano were unfortunately not at the same level as the more experienced players.

In the next round, Cusco FC will face Sport Huancayo, while Sport Boys will play against Alianza Universidad de Huánuco. All matches are played on neutral grounds, in Lima.