Ceres seeks payback vs Singapore

Philippines Football League champions Ceres-Negros hopes to solidify its hold of top spot as it clashes with Home United of Singapore in the rematch of their AFC Cup Asean zone finals last year at Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday night.

With only the top team in the group guaranteed of making the knockout stage, every game matters for the Busmen, who lost to Home United the last time they played in Singapore in the first leg of the Asean zone finals.

The Busmen went on to beat Home at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod to rule the Asean zone.

“They (Home United) play at home and they need the points like us,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic.

Ceres defender Martin Steuble said the 9-0 win over Boeung Ket of Cambodia two weeks ago at Panaad gives the Busmen a confidence boost ahead of Tuesday’s crucial duel.

“The team’s spirit is very high and we’re full of confidence,” said Steuble.

Over at Rizal Memorial Stadium, Global Cebu tries to bounce back from an opening-day defeat as it faces Bali United of Indonesia in a duel of winless sides.