PH clubs make semis

SINGAPORE—Enhancing the country’s growing reputation as a force in club football in the Asean region, Philippines Football League stalwarts Ceres-Negros and Global-Cebu on Wednesday night lined themselves up for a possible knockout stage duel in the AFC Cup.

The Busmen put together a solid performance on enemy ground, hacking out a comprehensive 4-2 victory over Singapore-side Tampines Rovers to clinch top spot in Group G at Jalan Besar Stadium here.

Global later joined Ceres in the Asean zonal semifinals after turning back Cambodian club Boeung Ket Angkor, 3-1, in Group F at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

The Filipino clubs could meet in the Asean zonal finals, which is equivalent to a place in the quarterfinals in the competition. For now, the Busmen are setting their sights on another upset against Malaysian champion Johor Dairul Tazim in the two-legged semifinals, while Global clashes with Home United, which topped Group H.

The Busmen travel to Johor for the first leg on May 17. Global battles Home United at RMS on May 16.

Paul Mulders, Pika Minegishi and Daryl Roberts were on target for the Cebu side, which topped its group after winning five of its six matches.

Spanish midfielder Bienvenido Marañon bagged a brace in the first 13 minutes, while compatriot Fernando Rodriguez and Japanese defender Kota Kawase were also on the scoresheet for the Busmen, who defied the odds to top the group that included powerhouse sides Hanoi FC and Felda United.

“I think, before the competition nobody expected that we will qualify out of the group,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic. “I’m very proud of all the players for going all-out in the last two crucial games.”

Just like Ceres, Global also scored early in the match, thanks to Paul Mulders, who has been rejuvenated since moving to the Dan Palami-owned club during the off season.

“We didn’t play our best, but somehow we managed to get a result because the boys really worked hard,” said Palami.