Ceres Negros trips Myanmar

BACOLOD, Philippines — Ceres Negros leaned on a late charge to score a 2-0 victory over Myanmar side Shan United and solidify its lead in Group F of the AFC Cup at Panaad Stadium here Tuesday night.

The Busmen dominated possession but couldn’t find the mark against the resolute defense of Shan until they broke through in the last 11 minutes through the backline en route to the win that hiked their tally to seven points. 

They went 3-up on second-running Home United of Singapore, which got stuck at four markers after a 2-3 defeat to Boeung Ket over in Cambodia.

Sub Patrick Reichelt pounced on a fumble by Shan keeper Thiha Si Thu and a succeeding lousy clearance by defender Hein Thina Zhaw to fire it home at the 79th to the delight of 4,294 supporters.

Mike Ott and Bienve Maranon, who were also instrumental in the attack that led to the opening goal, joined forces anew in an 83rd minute offensive that saw the Fil-German setting up the unamarked Spaniard for the insurance.

"It's not easy to play teams that are dedicated to defending so we had to have patience. At the end of the day, the effort of the team was good and they gave everything," said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic.

"We can actually play a lot better than this but the most important thing is we got the goal and we didn't concede and we now have a three-point advantage on Home United," he added.

It was Ceres' second victory at home following the record 9-0 rout of Boeung Ket in the opener. The Busmen drew with Home in Singapore, 1-1, before hosting the Burmese outfit.