Turkmenistan side boots out Ceres-La Salle

BACOLOD—It’s a loss that stings—one this football-loving city would rather forget.

Bacolod’s Ceres-La Salle conceded a goal deep into stoppage time and absorbed a 1-2 loss to HTTU Asgabat of Turkmenistan Saturday night at Panaad Stadium, ending its hope of qualifying for the final round of the AFC President’s Cup.

Seconds away from a historic achievement, Ceres endured the worst possible outcome with Turkmenistan snatching the match-winner with virtually the last kick of the game.

Needing a draw to make it to the six-team finals late this year, Ceres’ chances were buoyed by a 19th-minute strike from Carli de Murga.

Asgabat equalized through Mohadov Suleyman in first-half stoppage time before completing the rally with another goal after Ceres keeper Michael Casas fumbled an attempt.

Ceres players cried unabashedly as they left the pitch, knowing they had bungled a chance to make history.

“It hurts,” said De Murga. “We’re so close.”

“It’s probably the worst loss of my career,” said Patrick Reichelt, who along with Juani Guirado were Ceres’ top scorers.

Although the team fell short, Ceres team owner Leorey Yanson was proud of how his side battled in the tournament.

“We didn’t expect to go far but we played well even with the short preparation and new players coming into the lineup,” said Yanson.

North Korea’s Rimyongsu later sealed Ceres’ elimination with a 5-0 rout of Tatung of Chinese-Taipei. The result meant the North Koreans qualified along with Asgabat as the second-best team in the group.