BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Felipe Tempone struck late as Independiente secured a playoff berth with 2-1 home win over Deportivo Riestra in Argentina's Clausura tournament on Friday.
It took just 11 minutes for the hosts to take the lead as Mateo Perez finished clinically after combining with Josias Palais on the counterattack.
The visitors equalized through Alexander Diaz, who latched onto Tomas Gonzalez's cross with a first-time effort that left goalkeeper Santiago Mele with no chance.
Tempone restored his side's lead in the 87th minute when he ran onto a long clearance from Mele before chipping a first-time effort over the onrushing Ignacio Arce.
"I've always dreamed about a moment like this," Tempone said after the match. "It makes me extremely happy to have scored and helped the group advance to the playoffs. We have a tight-knit group and a great bunch of guys that deserve this more than anyone."
While Independiente finished sixth in the 15-team Zone A standings with 23 points, Deportivo Riestra ended its campaign in 14th place with just two wins from 16 games.
Elsewhere in Argentina's top flight on Friday, Santiago Lopez's second-half goal gave Tigre a 1-0 home win over nine-man Sarmiento, whose playoff hopes hinge on other results.
The visitors were handed a double blow when Gaston Gonzalez and Lucas Suarez were shown red cards earlier in the second half.
Lopez broke the deadlock with a 70th minute goal, leaving Sarmiento clinging to eighth place in Zone B, two points ahead of Huracan, which can take its spot with a win against Argentinos Juniors on Saturday. ■
