(From left) Home United FC defender Afiq Yunos and coach Aidil Sharin, alongside Ceres-Negros FC coach Risto Vidaković and midfielder Iain Ramsay, during a press conference ahead of tonight’s 2017 AFC Cup ASEAN Zone final second leg. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at the Panaad Park and Stadium. (Henry Doble photo)
By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
After losing 2-1 in the first leg of their 2017 AFC Cup ASEAN Zone final series against Singaporean side Home United FC, Ceres-Negros FC faces a do-or-die situation at the Panaad Park and Stadium when they meet for the second leg tonight at 7:30 p.m.
During a press conference yesterday, Ceres coach Risto Vidaković said his players plan on giving 100 percent, calling their qualification into the ASEAN Zone final “historic.”
Ceres midfielder Iain Ramsay reiterated the historic value of the match.
“This will be the biggest game not only to Ceres FC but for the country,” he stated. “We will focus on the game.”
Meanwhile, Home United midfielder Faris Ramli acknowledged it would be a tough match and also pointed out the significance of the match for their side.
“It’s clearly going to be a battle of pride for both teams,” he said. “We want to win it for our country, especially us because it’s Singapore National Day.”
It was earlier reported, with their one goal in the first leg, scored by midfielder Martin Steuble, Ceres goes into the return leg with an away goal, giving them an advantage if the aggregate score of the two legs comes to a draw./WDJ