BACOLOD CITY—Ranged against the tournament’s strongest team, the Philippines’ Ceres-La Salle refused to be daunted, delivering a battling performance to hold North Korea’s Rimyongsu to a 2-2 stalemate at the start of Group B play in the AFC President’s Cup here.
Disciplined and compact defensively and quick to cash in on their few chances, the national champions from Bacolod secured a vital point that could go a long way in their hopes of clinching one of the two group spots to the final round.
National team standouts Juani Guirado and Patrick Reichelt scored in each half as Ceres-La Salle, given little chance at the start of the match, was rewarded for its enterprising play and resolute defense.
Acquired by the Bacolod side just for the tournament, Guirado struck a low free kick in the ninth minute and Reichelt delivered a curling strike early in the second half, sending the 6,000-strong crowd into ruptures.
The North Koreans, who had five players with vast international experience, needed to fight back from a goal down twice.
“This is a special night for us and for Philippine football—getting a 2-2 draw against the strongest team in North Korea,” said Ceres manager Ali Go.
“I’m proud of what the team has accomplished considering the strength of North Korea,” said Ceres owner Leorey Yanson.
Taiwan’s Tatung and Turkmenistan’s HTTU Asgabat were still playing at press time.
Guirado stunned the North Koreans with a clever free kick that rolled under the wall and into the bottom corner.
The North Koreans finally unlocked the Ceres defense in the 36th minute with Kim Kyong-il firing from close range after a goalmouth scramble.