Photo from AFC.com
BACOLOD CITY – Ceres Negros FC launched its AFC Cup campaign in style, drubbing an overmatched Boeung Ket side, 9-0, last Tuesday night for its most lopsided victory yet in the continental competition at Panaad Stadium.
Not even a downpour caused by Tropical Storm Basyang can stop the Busmen from delivering a spectacular performance in front of their home fans as they rolled past the Cambodian champions.
A brace each from Takumi Uesato, Bienve Maranon and OJ Porteria and a goal apiece from captain Carlie De Murga and substitute Manny Ott propelled the Busmen to a record-setting night.
An own goal from Boeung Ket defender Sun Sovanrithy in the second half inflicted more misery on the Cambodians, who missed two key players due to visa issues.
So dominating were the Busmen that coach Risto Vidakovic replaced the excellent Stephan Schrock just before halftime with the outcome already in the bag.
Uesato set the tone for a magical night with a close range strike in the 15th minute, before Maranon doubled the lead four minutes later.
The Japanese striker grabbed a second in the 22nd minute by latching unto Jeff Christiaens’ pass to the far post and Maranon added a fourth after 28 minutes by converting from the spot following a clip on Mike Ott inside the area.
It was 5-0 in the 31st minute with Maranon setting up Porteria, who rifled home a well-placed strike from just inside the box.
De Murga joined the scoring four minutes after the hour mark, heading home a beautiful cross from Manny Ott, who also got on the scoresheet nine minutes from time with a deflected strike.
Porteria knocked in his second goal from close range with five minutes remaining as Ceres matched the biggest win in the history of the tournament. Nasaf Qarshi of Uzbekistan beat Dempo of India via the same scoreline in 2011.