AFC Cup: Stalemate keeps Ceres-Negros on top

FILE – Ceres-Negros Busmen. PFL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Philippines Football League champion Ceres-Negros battled Vietnamese
side Than Quang Ninh to a thrilling 2-2 draw Tuesday night in the 2020 AFC Cup at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Bienve Marañon’s penalty at the stroke of halftime cancelled out an earlier strike from Jeremie Lynch, before OJ Porteria handed the Busmen the advantage in the 62nd minute.

Unable to clear its lines, Ceres conceded in the 70th minute Nguyen Hai Huy lashed home from close range.

The result kept Ceres on top of Group G, after Bali United lost to Svey Rieng of Cambodia, 1-2, in Phnom Penh. The Busmen have four points from two matches with Bali in second, ahead of Svey Rieng on goal difference.

The Busmen were in control of proceedings until Lynch scored against the run of play as Hai Huy’s ball found the Jamaican striker in stride, before he rounded out Ceres goalkeeper Roland Muller.

Marañon made it 1-1 in first half stoppage time as he converted from the spot after getting fouled by Hai Huy.

The Busmen came out with renewed vigor after the restart with Marañon and Manny Ott missing gilt edged chances.

Porteria then finished off a quick counter after a nice ball from Marañon from midfield.

Ceres, however, failed to put the match to bed as Ott was denied by the crossbar on another quick counter. That opened the opportunity for the visitors to grab a point through Hai Huy’s precious goal.