Ceres XI ready to wage battle vs Singaporean side for crown

Philippines Football League side Ceres Negros attempts to make history against a motivated Home United from Singapore as the AFC Cup Asean zonal competition reaches its climax on Wednesday night at Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

The Busmen need at least a 1-0 victory to overturn Home’s slim advantage from the first leg as the two clubs dispute the inaugural Asean title in the competition before another huge crowd in Ceres’ home field.

The winner will also advance to the inter zonal semifinals where it will meet Istiklol of Tajikistan.

The first leg will be played on Aug. 22 in Dushanbe.

The significance of the match isn’t lost on Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic.

“I think it’s the most important game in Philippine club history,” said the Serbian.

“I think that my players will give everything tomorrow (Wednesday). They will fight for ninety minutes and that’s the only thing I can promise.”

Home United has plenty of motivation as the match falls on Singapore’s national day.

“For us it’s all about national pride,” said Home winger Faris Ramli. “We want to win it for the nation.”