PFL king Ceres faces tough AFC ‘Champs’ draw

A daunting challenge awaits Ceres-Negros in its bid to qualify for the group stage of the AFC Champions League for the first time.

The Busmen, who punched their ticket to the preliminary round of Asia’s premier club competition after ruling the Philippines Football League last June, have been drawn with Myanmar’s Yangon United in the first round on Feb. 5 at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

The Burmese side is a familiar foe for the Bacolod-based club, which beat Yangon on aggregate in the Asean zone semifinals last year.

Although the club has been a regular fixture in the AFC Cup the last three years, Ceres holds the AFC Champions League in high regard as it gives the Busmen an opportunity to play some of the toughest teams in the continent.

“It’s really a great chance for us to test the development of the club,” said Ceres administrator Nicolas Golez. “Last year, we were in the competition for the first time and I think we were able to surprise some teams.”

The Busmen beat Shan United of Myanmar, before stunning Brisbane Roar of Australia.