By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Ceres-Negros FC and Global Cebu FC won their respective Philippines Football League (PFL) semifinals over the weekend, securing both a berth in the finals and qualification into the 2018 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup.

Ceres defeated Kaya FC-Makati, 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate), at the Panaad Park and Stadium; while Global, despite drawing 1-1 in their second leg against league leaders FC Meralco Manila, won 3-2 on aggregate at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Kaya FC won a free kick in the opening minutes, which ended in a miss.

Ceres midfielder OJ Porteria would later pick up an opportunity in the 9th minute, however, his shot went over the crossbar.

Kaya striker Jordan Mintah almost put his team up by one, but his attempt was saved by Ceres keeper Roland Müller. The forward would have another opportunity 10 minutes later that flew left of the post.

Ceres midfielder Bienvenido Marañón, who would go onto be named ‘Man of the Match,’ put his club up 1-0 in the 31st minute.

An equalizer was later scored in the 44th minute by Kaya midfielder Anton Ugarte.

The two went into halftime drawn, 1-1. Had the score remained that way, Ceres still would have advanced with their 1-0 win from the first leg.

Ceres, however, made it a solid victory after midfielder Iain Ramsay put the home team up 2-1.

“It was a tough match,” said Ceres Assistant Coach Ian Treyes during the post-match press conference. “During the half-time huddle, our instruction was to pick up all loose balls and don’t give up on ball possession.”

In the other semifinal, Global striker Rufo Sánchez and Meralco midfielder Curt Dizon each scored for their respective side, resulting in a draw.

The final between Ceres and Global is scheduled for this Saturday, December 16, with a venue to be decided following today’s PFL meeting./JSG, WDJ