By Paulo Loreto Lim

Following the huge 5-0 victory over Tampines Rovers FC, last week, it was a slow start for Ceres-Negros FC as they drew, 0-0, against Malaysian side Felda United FC in their 2017 AFC Cup group stage match at a rainy Panaad Park and Stadium, last night.
Following the first half, Felda held a slight advantage in the statistics, with 51 percent possession. However, earlier in the match, around the 30th minute, Ceres defender Junior Muñoz was taken off the pitch following a rough challenge. He was replaced by midfielder Martin Steuble.
Coming into the second half, despite a free kick opportunity for Felda’s Norshahrul Idlan Talaha in the 54th minute, the match remained at a similar even pace as the first half.
Five minutes later, Felda was awarded a penalty following a foul on Norshahrul inside the box. Argentinean forward Lucas Cano took the penalty, but the attempt was successfully blocked by Ceres goalkeeper Roland Müller.
In extra time, a free kick for Felda nearly saw the Malaysian outfit score a last minute winner, but it was deflected over the goal.
A couple last minute runs by the home team merely saw the match run the clock out as the scoreboard remained unchanged from the beginning of the game.
In the other side of the group, Hà Nội FC destroyed Rovers, 4-0, at the Mỹ Đình National Stadium, earlier in the evening, momentarily taking the lead in the group. They eventually ceded position to Ceres as they are tied on points, but the Negrense club holds the edge on goal difference./WDJ