By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Ceres-Negros FC, through a 94th minute goal from striker Fernando Rodríguez, defeated Kaya FC-Makati, 3-2, over the weekend at the Panaad Park and Stadium in the ongoing Philippines Football League (PFL).

The visitors struck first, with a goal in the third minute by forward Jordan Mintah. However, Ceres winger Bienvenido Marañón nailed the equalizer shortly after in the 10th minute.

Rodríguez put the home team up 2-1 with a goal in the 16th minute.

What turned out to be a very physical game, saw Ceres pick up a couple yellow cards, including one in the 49th minute for midfielder Stephan Schröck.

Kaya defender Alfred Osei got the game back level, with a goal in the 56th minute.

Ceres later faced a couple setbacks, after coach Risto Vidaković was ejected after confronting officials and with defender Jeffrey Christiaens picking up a second yellow and being shown a red card.

It was not until well into stoppage time, in the 94th minute, that Rodríguez earned a brace and put the busmen up 3-2 just before the final whistle.

Regarding the physical nature of the match, Ceres FC assistant coach Pepe Losada said, during the post-match press conference, “We played against 11 players plus the referees.”

Following the win, Ceres remains in third place on the PFL table, but narrowed the gap with second place Kaya to three points. The Negrense side still has seven games in hand against their rivals from Makati.

Rodríguez was named ‘Man of the Match.’/JSG, WDJ