Manta FC draws with Liga de Quito amid VAR controversy

Manta FC secured a 1‑1 draw against Liga de Quito in the 21st round of Ecuador's LigaPro on 23 July 2026. Liga de Quito opened the scoring in the 43rd minute through Michael Estrada. Manta FC equalised in the 79th minute when José “Tin” Angulo struck a decisive goal. The match featured a contentious VAR decision that disallowed a goal by Deyverson for offside, prompting criticism from Liga de Quito’s interim coach Patricio Hurtado and the club’s officials, who accused the officials of influencing the result. Both clubs earned one point, and the controversy over the VAR call has intensified calls for clearer officiating standards in the league.