Academia Deportiva Cantolao claimed a dramatic 3–2 victory over Deportivo Llacuabamba in Peru’s Liga 2 thriller on September 5. In a pulsating match that swung several times, the home side managed to hold on for all three points, delivering a major boost to their promotion ambitions in the Peruvian second division.
The game exploded into life early. Cantolao, playing at home, started with real purpose and stunned their opponents in the 17th minute when a crisp passing move split the Llacuabamba defense. Striker Marlon Rojas was on hand to sweep the ball into the net and give the hosts the ideal start. Minutes later, Cantolao doubled their advantage through a well-placed shot from Brandon Aguilar, and at that point the match looked as though it could run away from the visitors.
Llacuabamba battle back
Deportivo Llacuabamba refused to surrender, showing exactly why they remain one of the more dangerous attacking outfits in Liga 2. Just before halftime, forward Álvaro Mesía pulled one back to change the complexion of the game. The goal injected new energy into the away side and set up a fascinating second half.
Llacuabamba continued to press after the break, and their efforts were rewarded midway through the second period. Luis Córdoba produced a powerful finish after a defensive mix-up in the Cantolao box, bringing the score level at 2–2. With momentum clearly on the visitor’s side, the contest appeared to be slipping away from the home team.
Late drama and three vital points
But Cantolao found another gear when it mattered most. Just minutes after conceding the equalizer, they reestablished their lead through a composed finish from Marlon Rojas, completing his brace and setting up a tense finish. Llacuabamba pushed everyone forward in the final stages looking for another equalizer, but Cantolao’s defenders held firm under heavy late pressure.
For Cantolao, the victory provides valuable points in a highly competitive Liga 2 table where promotion places remain wide open. For Llacuabamba, the defeat will be difficult to digest after fighting back from two goals down, but it showed enough character and attacking quality to suggest they will be a difficult opponent for the rest of the season.