Ceres-Negros faces tough odds vs JDT in AFC Cup semis

A standing-room-only crowd watches Ceres-Negros’ recent match against Malaysia’s Felda United in the AFC Cup. No other place in the country packs as many football fans as Bacolod’s Panaad stadium. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO / STEPHEN TAN

BACOLOD CITY – On its home turf, Ceres-Negros has looked unstoppable in the 2017 AFC Cup.

But the Busmen face their toughest test yet when they try to overturn a 2-3 deficit against Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia in the second leg of their AFC Cup Asean zonal semifinal tie at Panaad Stadium.

The Busmen beat Tampines Rovers (5-0) and Hanoi FC of Vietnam (6-2) in the group stage, but the stakes are higher and the opposition is expected to be stronger when the Malaysian champions line up against the home side at 7:30 p.m.

“The team is motivated to win so we are not under pressure,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic from Serbia. “I think its a big challenge to play this game and the opportunity also to reach something. It’s a special motivation for us if we can reach the final.”

There will be no shortage in firepower for the Busmen with first leg goalscorers Fernando Rodriguez and Bienvenido Maranon available for selection, while midfielder Manny Ott, still hurting from a chest injury in the first leg last May 17, is also in the squad to rekindle his battle with JDT talisman Safiq Rahim, who scored in the first leg at Larkin Stadium.

With the away goals rule in play, the Philippines Football League side only needs a 1-0 victory over the Malaysian champions to advance to the next round, where they will face the winner of the Home United-Global Cebu tie being played Tuesday night in Singapore.

JDT’s Mexican coach Benjamin Mora knows the Malaysians are in for a dogfight.

“We expect a difficult game because the first leg was a tough game,” said Mora. “Ceres is a very good team. They play good football. They are very fast. And they shape very well defensively.”

Mora stressed that the two away goals scored by Ceres shouldn’t get in the way of JDT’s play.

“I think we must be patient and organized because we lead the 3-2,” said the Mexican. “I know the two away goals may affect if we don’t stay focused and don’t manage the game as we want.”