By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Ceres Negros FC advanced to the Preliminary Round 2 of the 2019 AFC Champions League Group Stage by nipping Myanmar-based Shan United FC, 3-2.
The busmen’s aim of starting the new year with a bang didn’t disappoint as their high-octane offense swarmed Shan United right after the whistle was blown.
It didn’t take much time for Ceres to draw first blood as Robert Lopez Mendy found the back of the net with just five minutes into the game.
With 40 minutes left in the first half, pure striker Bienve Marñon found an opportunity and attacked the sleeping defense of Myanmar that put Ceres up by 2, 2-0.
Shan United shifted gears in the second half as they were able to contest most of Ceres’ attacks either with a deflection or a stolen possession.
Following their improved pitch defense was a beautiful header in the 73rd minute of the match that put themselves within striking distance, 2-1.
OJ Porteria then answered back as he was able to beat three Shan United defenders and was able to get to the box for an easy push-in, 3-1.
Shan United tried to apply the best pressure they can on both ends and that paid off as they were able to score another one with three minutes left in the game but time did not favor them.
