By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
It was the battle of the champions.
Philippines Football League (PFL) champs Ceres-Negros FC battled it out with the Vietnamese champs’ Than Quang Ninh during their second match in the AFC Cup that ended in a draw, 2-2.
Despite playing in their home pitch at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, the busmen seemed tense to open the match as they committed several defensive lapses that allowed the opposing team multiple early looks.
The busmen’s defense was continually pressured as the Vietnamese squad relentlessly pushed the action building on their early momentum.
During the 26th minute of the match, Jeremie Lynch of Than Quang Ninh scored the opening goal that left the busmen supporters in dead silence as the Vietnamese squad celebrated.
However, it was not long until the crowd was revived when Ceres’ star striker Bienvenido Marañon found the back of the net before the half closed to equalize the match at 1 apiece.
The second half became a battle of attrition as both teams tried their hardest to break the tie.
OJ Porteria of Ceres struck another goal for the busmen that put them ahead, 2-1, but Nguyen Hai Huy of the opposing squad cashed in the last goal of the match to end the game in a draw, 2-2.
