Sun May 04 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## América de Cali Clinches Playoff Spot, Faces Junior with Key Lineup Changes

**Barranquilla, Colombia – May 2, 2025** – América de Cali secured their place in the semifinals of the Liga Colombiana I-2025 after a narrow 1-0 victory over Águilas Doradas on Thursday. The win, a postponed matchday 4 fixture, comes as a morale boost ahead of a demanding May schedule.

Next up is a crucial clash against Junior at the Metropolitano stadium in Barranquilla on matchday 17. However, América will face the match with several key players missing. While the return of Duván Vergara, after illness, is a positive, the absence of Juan Fernando Quintero is significant. Quintero is focusing on América’s upcoming Copa Sudamericana match against Corinthians in Brazil. His absence will also avoid a potentially hostile reception from Junior fans.

Further compounding América’s lineup issues are injuries to Eder Álvarez Balanta (muscle-tendon injury) and goalkeeper Jorge Soto, along with several other players including Jean Pestaña, Rafael Carrascal, Cristian Barrios, Rodrigo Holgado and Daniel Bocanegra.

Providing some relief, youth player José Cavadía has rejoined the squad after a stint with the Colombia U-20 team. Santiago Silva will likely take Soto’s place in goal, while Brayan Medina will lead the defense. Luis Ramos will fill in for Holgado in attack, and Vergara will captain the side. Felipe Gómez and Jan Lucumí are also expected to start. A win against Junior is vital for América’s chances of securing a top seed in the playoff semifinals.

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