Ceres Negros FC claimed a berth to the AFC Champions League Play-off round after producing a scintillating display to defeat Australian side Brisbane Roar, 3-2, last Tuesday 23 January 2018 at the Queensland Sports and Athletic Center in Brisbane, Australia.
Bienvenido Marañon struck twice while Omid Nazari added another for the 2017 Philippines Football League champions. The win puts the Negros side a step closer in securing a spot in Group E of the AFC Champions League.
However, Brisbane threatened in the first half and took the lead in the 35th minute. Massimo Maccarone was on the end of the cross that went past Toni Doblas.
Bienvenido Marañon equalized for Ceres in the 43rd minute. The forward capitalized on a goalmouth scramble after the corner kick.
Marañon struck once again in the 65th minute to put Ceres ahead. Mike Ott fed the inviting ball for the forward to finish.
Nazari put Ceres’ lead beyond doubt ten minutes later to put Ceres ahead by two goals.
Eric Bautehac gave Brisbane a lifeline with a late goal, but Ceres held on to advance to the play-off round where they will face Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian on 30 January 2018.
“Congratulations to Ceres Negros FC for advancing to the AFC Champions League Play-off Round,” said PFF president Mariano V. Araneta Jr. “Their achievement today shows the competitive ability of Philippine football clubs.”
Photo from Ceres Negros FC
