Huge victory sets Ceres up for tough Roar duel

FILE PHOTO

After battling past a formidable foe on enemy ground last Tuesday night, Philippines Football League champion Ceres Negros FC is setting its sights on a historic feat next week in Brisbane, Australia.

The Busmen prevailed over Myanmar League champion Shan United, 4-3, on penalties to advance to the second round of the AFC Champions League preliminary phase at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.

Ceres star Stephan Schrock struck in the second minute of extra time only for Patrick Asare to equalize for Shan United seven minutes later and send the match into a shootout, where Ceres skipper Carlie De Murga, Schrock, Mike Ott and Bienve Maranon all found the back of the net.

In contrast, the home side missed two penalty shots, allowing the Bacolod-based team to set up a showdown with Brisbane Roar on Tuesday in Australia.

“We can be very proud of this achievement,” said Schrock, who scored with a deflected strike in the 92nd minute and barely missed a winner deep in extra time when he was denied by the post from a tight angle.

“We only had four training sessions and a long flight going here but for 120 minutes we worked well as a team.”