Boyacá Chicó are set to defend their top spot in the Colombian Copa
Mustang, as the country’s most important football tournament enters its
seventh round.
The round starts on Saturday, when La Equidad host local rivals Santa Fé at Bogotá’s El Techo stadium. Both sides are currently in the top eight but La Equidad have been the most consistant team and are now in third place. La Equidad playing at home, a draw is a likely result.
Action then continues as Deportes Quindío host Deportivo Cali, two sides that appear to be competing for the prices this season. For Cali that isn’t too surprising but Quindío, in fifth position, exceed all expectations so far.
The third and final match on Saturday has leaders Chicó visiting troubled champions América de Cali. The Red devils haven’t won in almost a month and pressure begins to mount. In the last few years, Chicó have proven to be a tough opponent to América.
This season’s true revelation, at least so far, is newly promoted Cartagena. Colombia’s coast gets to prepare for what should be an entertaining classic between them and Junior, in Barranquilla. Junior are clear favorites for this game but Cartagena have already caused several surprises this season.
Atlético Nacional finally won a match last week but are still in last place. They face a tough challenge near the Venezuelan border, against Cúcuta Deportivo. The recent past is in Nacional’s favor though, as the green-whites won three of the last four games with Cúcuta. The other ended in a draw.
Envigado are currently in ninth position, and appear to have a reasonable chance to finish in the top eight this season. But Deportivo Pereira, 12th, obviously have different plans. Being the hosts, Pereira are favored to take the points.
The match between Deportes Tolima and Deportivo Pasto, to be played in Ibagué, promises to be a close affair. Tolima are more likely to win this game, but they did lose their last two home games against Pasto.
Independiente Medellín are currently in penultimate position but are likely to climb a few spots when they host Atlético Huila at Atanasio Girardot. When the two sides met last September, also in Medellín, DIM won 1-0 thanks to an early goal.
The last match of the week is the 5:30pm clash of Millonarios versus Once Caldas, at El Campín. While Millonarios are still trying to get things back on track, Once Caldas are at least closer to the top eight and have a better chance of qualifying for the second group phase. However, Millonarios should be motivated ahead of this game and are slight favorites to take a couple of points.