Ceres opens AFC Cup bid vs Myanmar’s Shan United

Ceres Negros seeks redemption as it collides with Myanmar’s Shan United at the start of Group G play in the 2019 AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Cup campaign on Tuesday night at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

Even after losing to Myanmar champion Yangon United in the preliminary round of the AFC Champions League, the Busmen set out as favorites against a team they beat thrice last year.

More importantly, a win in the 7:30 p.m. clash can set the tone for bigger victories for the Bacolod-based side that won the Asean zonal title in 2017 before losing in the same stage last season to Singapore’s Home United.

“There’s big pressure on us because its the first game and we’re playing at home,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic. “We have to stand up to that pressure and play as a team.”

Ceres’ defensive vulnerabilities were exposed three weeks ago when they got stunned by Yangon, 2-1, also in Panaad. Needing matches to sharpen up for the AFC Cup, the Busmen flew to Singapore for a one-week camp highlighted by wins in friendly matches against Singapore League teams Home United and Geylang International.

The Busmen seemed to have addressed one key concern when they signed veteran Bosnian striker Mahir Karic for the continent’s second-tier club competition.

Spanish striker Bienve Marañon, Ceres’ top scorer the past two seasons in this competition, is fit again and could start alongside the Bosnian at the tip of the attack.

Still, Vidakovic believes it would take a total team effort from his squad to get a result against Shan.

“We can’t just rely on an individual player to make a difference,” said the Serbian coach. “We must work together.”