By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

Ceres Negros FC is looking forward at making history in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup as they play the ASEAN Zonal semi-finals against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) of Malaysia on Wednesday, May 17, at the Tan Sri Dato Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium in Johor Bahru.
The Bacolod-based squad is set to leave for Malaysia tomorrow. Ceres secured their semis ticket after topping Group G.
Ceres’ top scorer, Spanish Bienvenido Marañón, will meet his match in Argentinian Gabriel Guerra of JDT, who, like him, has already scored seven goals in the tournament.
Club Director Ali Go said Ceres must be physically, mentally and tactically ready because the Malaysian side is very strong.
Go added they expect a crowd of around 10,000 to 11,000 JDT supporters. “That’s why we play because we love the pressure of the games in this competition. Playing strong teams brings out the best in each player and team. We have to stay focused and concentrate on the game at hand,” he said.
Meanwhile, Global Cebu FC, the other Filipino club who qualified for the ASEAN Zonal semis, will host Singapore’s Home United FC on May 16 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila./WDJ