BACOLOD CITY—Its confidence boosted by a fighting draw against a powerhouse North Korean side, Ceres-La Salle clashes with Tatung of Chinese-Taipei today seeking to close in on a spot in the final round of the AFC President’s Cup at Panaad Stadium.
The national champions from Bacolod hope to nail their first win in the 7:30 p.m. match with the Taiwanese who dropped a 0-2 decision to HTTU Asgabat of Turkmenistan last Tuesday night.
Ceres’ bid to reach the next round got a shot in the arm after a 2-2 stalemate with Rimyongsu—a draw that felt more like a victory for the Bacolod side.
Asgabat can virtually clinch a berth in the next round with a game to spare if it overcomes Rimyongsu in the 5 p.m. kickoff.
On the defensive for most of the match, Ceres maximized the two chances it got against Rimyongsu.
Juani Guirado’s free kick that rolled under the North Korean wall and into the goal in the first half and a superb curling strike from Patrick Reichelt forced the North Koreans to rally from a goal down twice before 6,000 fans.