Ceres Negros. Photo from @AFCCup Twitter account.
Brothers Manny and Mike Ott struck in the second half as Ceres Negros opened its Philippines Football League title defense with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Kaya Iloilo last Wednesday night at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
Ghanaian striker Jordan Mintah gave the visitors the lead with a brilliant individual effort in the 65th minute, before Manny Ott equalized with a first-time shot to the bottom corner off a cutback from younger brother Mike, who has enjoyed a fine start to his career in the country following his move from Thailand.
The Busmen completed the comeback eight minutes later as Mike scored from close range after some nice linkup by substitute Stephan Schrock and Spanish striker Bienve Maranon on the final third.
It was another heartbreaking outcome for Kaya at Panaad, where the club also suffered a semifinal exit in the inaugural PFL Finals Series last December.
“Kaya is a good team and it wasn’t easy for us,” said Mike Ott, who was later named Man of the Match. “We want to play our type of football, we want to win. Sometimes, it’s just one goal, sometimes more. It depends on how we start.”
The victory augurs well for the Busmen as they brace for a tough away match against Boeung Ket of Cambodia in Phnom Penh on Wednesday in the AFC Cup.
Over at Biñan Football Stadium, Stallion Laguna picked up its first win of the campaign at the expense of Global Cebu, 2-1.
Carlo Polli scored from the spot after Fitch Arboleda was fouled by Jerry Barbaso inside the area as coach Ernie Nierras’ charges bounced back from a defeat to JPV Marikina a month ago.
Arboleda put Stallion in front in the first half with a left-footed effort after racing clear from the defense, but Daryl Roberts pulled Global level after heading home from close range.