Ceres-La Salle scuttles Taiwan, nears AFC slot

BACOLOD—National team stars Patrick Reichelt and Juani Guirado struck for the second straight match as Ceres-La Salle blanked Tatung Company of Chinese-Taipei, 2-0, Tuesday to move on the cusp of a final-round spot in the AFC President’s Cup.

The Bacolod side delivered another awe-inspiring performance to nail a historic first international victory before an energetic home crowd at Panaad Stadium.

The win pushed Ceres to the top in Group B with four points, just ahead of HTTU Asgabat of Turkmenistan on goals scored.

A draw against the Turkmen will be enough for Ceres to nail one of the two spots in the finals at stake in the group.

“I’m happy that even with two months’ preparation, we have a chance (of qualifying to the finals) in our last group game,” said Ceres team owner Leorey Yanson.

“We got what we wanted in terms of hosting and playing well in the tournament. But I hope the players will still do everything to get the win against Turkmenistan.”

Switching to a more attack-minded approach, Ceres scored on a couple of set pieces to pin a second straight loss on Tatung, which bombed out of contention.

Reichelt volleyed home from close range off a superb delivery from Carli de Murga in the 17th minute.

Guirado, who scored the opener in the 2-2 draw with North Korea last Tuesday, sealed the win with a header three minutes from time after being set up by Angelo Marasigan and Joshua Beloya.

Michael Casas proved equal to a couple of stinging attempts by the Taiwanese side in an otherwise quiet outing on goal as Ceres, the national club champion, dominated possession for long periods.

“It’s a good win but our job is not finished yet,” said Ceres coach Ali Go.