Coming off its finest performance in the continental stage, Ceres-Negros seeks to extend its lead in its AFC Cup group when it tackles Malaysian side Felda United on Wednesday night at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
The Busmen, who have four points from their first two matches in Group G, go into the 7:30 p.m. clash with the AFC Cup newcomers riding high on their 5-0 annihilation of Singaporean side Tampines Rovers last Tuesday before close to 10,000 fans at home.
Finally playing to its potential under coach Risto Vidakovic, Ceres drew two goals from Bienvenido Marañon and one each from Iain Ramsay, Manny Ott and Fernando Rodriguez.
Marañon, the Spanish striker on his third season with the club, is the tourney’s leading scorer with three goals.
A win will put the Bacolod-based side closer to a slot in the Asean zone semifinals, while pushing the Malaysians closer to elimination.
Felda United bowed to Tampines, 1-2, in its debut, but battled favorite Hanoi FC of Vietnam to a 1-1 stalemate last Tuesday at home.
“We have a different opponent, for me much better and more organized,” said Vidakovic. “It will not be easy to beat them (Felda).”