Ecuadorian striker Daniel Valencia made a significant impact during his debut for América de Cali, a move that generated considerable excitement in Colombia. He arrived at the club as the top scorer of the Liga Ecuabet 2025, tasked with enhancing the offensive strength of the Diablos Rojos. His initial placement on the bench was a strategic decision by coach David González, as the team struggled to generate offensive opportunities in the first half of the match against Santa Fe.

Valencia's introduction in the second half transformed the dynamics of the game. His increased mobility and presence in the attacking area allowed América to create more danger and reclaim control of the match. The culmination of his impact on the field came in the 76th minute, where he executed an intelligent run, which was perfectly set up by Omar Bertel through a well-placed pass that broke through Santa Fe's defense. Valencia didn't hesitate and promptly scored, sealing a vital victory for his team.

This debut not only solidifies Valencia's role in the team but also raises expectations for his future contributions, positioning him as a key player for América de Cali's ambitions in the league. The fans' enthusiasm reflects the hope that his scoring ability will be pivotal for the team as they aim for success in the upcoming matches, particularly as they look to build momentum in the league following this encouraging start.