Ceres XI hopes to weave home magic

BACOLOD CITY—On its home turf, Ceres-Negros has looked unstoppable in the 2017 AFC Cup.

But the Busmen face their toughest test when they try to overturn a 2-3 deficit against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) of Malaysia in the second leg of their AFC Cup Asean zonal semifinal tie at Panaad Stadium here.

The Busmen beat Tampines Rovers (5-0) and Hanoi FC of Vietnam (6-2) in the group stage, but the stakes are higher and the opposition is expected to be stronger when the Malaysian champions line up against the home side at 7:30 p.m.

“The team is motivated to win so we are not under pressure,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic from Serbia. “I think it’s a big challenge to play this game and the opportunity also to reach something. It’s a special motivation for us if we can reach the final.”

The Busmen will welcome first leg scorers Fernando Rodriguez and Bienvenido Marañon, while midfielder Manny Ott, still hurting from a chest injury in the first leg last May 17, is also in the squad to rekindle his battle with JDT talisman Safiq Rahim.

With the away goals rule in play, the Philippines Football League side only needs a 1-0 victory over the Malaysian champions to advance to the next round, where they will face the winner of the Home United-Global Cebu tie being played Tuesday night in Singapore.