Ceres battles past Shan United to set up clash vs Brisbane Roar

Philippines Football League champion Ceres-Negros dug deep and kept its poise in the shootout to subdue Shan United of Myanmar, 4-3, on penalties last Tuesday night to advance to the second round of AFC Champions League qualifiers at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.

Far from their best form after returning from a break only last week, the Busmen forged ahead in the 92nd minute through a deflected effort from Stephan Schrock only for Patrick Asare to pull the hosts level seven
minutes later.

Schrock was denied by the post deep into extra time, after shooting from a tight angle following a flowing move involving substitute Manny Ott and OJ Porteria.

The Burmese champions sat deep and absorbed the pressure for most of the match, denying the Busmen space in the final third.

But as both teams searched for a winner in extra time, it was Schrock who provided the flash of inspiration when his effort was deflected into the bottom corner, beating Shan goalkeeper Thuha Sithu.

Shan hit back when Asare turned and lifted the ball past debuting goalkeeper Toni Doblas. The goal sent the match into penalties, where Carlie De Murga, Stephan Schrock, Mike Ott and Bienvenido Maranon all found the
back of the net.

The hosts missed two penalties, allowing the Busmen to punch their ticket to the second round where they will face Brisbane Roar of Australia on Jan. 23.

“It was a tough game, we weren’t ready to play 120 minutes because we only had four training sessions before the game but everytime we wear this jersey, we represent Ceres, we represent Bacolod, we represent the Philippines, so we have to give our best,” said Ceres skipper Carlie De Murga.