Stefan Ristovski came off the bench for Latina to score a late goal in his club’s 2:2 draw against Bari.

This was the first leg of the semi-final promotion play-offs in Italy’s Serie B.  The match was extra special for Ristovski since Bari was Stefan’s former team, he spent last season there.  These two teams, along with Modena and Cesena (the other semi-final matchup) are competing to become the final team to secure promotion to Italy’s top flight for next season.

Today, Latina’s first leg vs. Bari was on the road.  Ristovski opened the game on the bench before he was introduced in the 54th minute to replace Marco Crimi.  Latina led 1:0 at that time, but Bari then scored two unanswered goals in the 67th and 79th minute to take the 2:1 lead.  Bari defender and appeared likely to hold on to the slim lead, but Stefan Ristovski had other thoughts when he smashed in an equalizer in stoppage time of the 90th minute.

A cross into the box was knocked down, but the ball then fell perfectly to Ristovski who unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area past the Bari keeper.  Thus, Bari got two precious away goals as they now will host the return leg on June 11.  The winning side between these two teams will move to the final of the promotion play-offs where they will face either Modena or Cesena (whoever happens to win that match-up).