By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Ceres-Negros FC is looking to keep their hopes alive in the 2017 AFC Cup with their next group stage match taking place on Wednesday at the Panaad Park and Stadium against current group leaders HàNội FC.
The two clubs drew 1-1 in their prior meeting back in February at the MỹĐình National Stadium in Hanoi.
Both Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya encouraged locals to watch the game live and support the club.
“Let us all celebrate the triumph of our Ceres Negros Football Club and, together, defend the honor of our land,” the congressman said.
Gasataya also added his praise for the hometown club, saying, “Your team’s well-deserved success, even in the global sphere of competition, has put the entire Negros Island Region in the limelight.”
“We owe all the extraordinary attention and admiration given by our friends across countries to your team’s passion, dedication and sense of confidence,” he added.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. wished for Ceres FC to “make us all proud of your triumphant victories.”/WDJ