Philippines Football League champion Ceres Negros kept top spot in its group, while Filipino international Patrick Deyto sparkled as Global Cebu secured its first point in the AFC Cup with a 1-1 draw against Indonesian powerhouse Bali United last Tuesday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
A second half goal from Super Herrera ensured the Busmen salvaged a point against 10-man Home United at Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore in their first clash since their Asean zone finals duel last season won by Ceres.
Bienve Maranon sent his 10th minute penalty to the post and the Busmen were made to rue the missed opportunity when Singapore international Shahril Ishak scored from the spot 13 minutes later.
Denied space by Home United, the Busmen struggled to create chances with coach Risto Vidakovic hinting overconfidence may have gotten the best out of his players.
“I think everyone was overconfident and thought that it would be easy,” said Vidakovic whose squad came into the game riding high on a 9-0 drubbing of Boeung Ket of Cambodia.
The Busmen still lead Home on goal difference. Only the top team in the group is guaranteed a slot in the next round.
Curt Dizon gave Global a 12th minute lead with a close range header, but naturalized Indonesian Ilija Spasojevic equalized in the second half, before Deyto made sure the PFL side preserved the draw with a spectacular save on Spasojevic’s penalty.
Global remained third in the bottom of the group with a point.