Ceres-Negros FC faced Myanmar National League champions Shan United FC in the 2018 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League qualifying play-offs yesterday at Taunggyi Stadium, where Ceres won 1-1 (4-3) on penalty kicks and advanced a step closer to qualifying for the group stage.

The match, which saw newly-signed goalkeeper Antonio ‘Toni’ Doblas and midfielder Mike Ott among the starting 11, offered early attempts from midfielders Bienvenido Marañón and Stephan Schröck.

The match went into halftime drawn 0-0.

Shortly into the second half, midfielder OJ Porteria was subbed in for striker Patrick Reichelt.

Doblas later provided a couple saves, keeping the Negrense side in the hunt.

In the 74th minute, forward Omid Nazari was subbed out for midfielder Manuel Ott, who quickly had an opportunity at goal, which fell short.

Both Ott brothers had an opportunity at goal in extended time, with Mike’s attempt deflected by the keeper and Manuel’s free kick sailing over the goal.

At the end of regulation time, the score remained at 0-0, which forced the match into two additional 15 minute periods.

Schröck managed to put Ceres up 1-0 in the 93rd minute, however, Shan United forward Patrick Asare scored the equalizer six minutes later.

The two were still drawn, this time at 1-1, at the end of the first added period.

In the 116th minute, Ceres midfielder Kevin Ingreso was shown a yellow card following a touch on Asare, which left the striker hobbling for a bit after making contact.

With the clubs closing the second period at a draw, the match went to penalty kicks.

Asare was up first for Shan United, whose attempt flew just out of Doblas’ reach, putting the Burmese side up.

Carli de Murga stepped up for Ceres, who also met the back of the net.

Up next for Shan was Striker Christopher Chizoba, who shanked his attempt and struck the ball well above goal.

Schröck kept pace for Ceres and successfully converted his attempt.

A pair of midfielders, Nay Lin Tun for Shan and Mike Ott for Ceres, each scored for their respective club.

Shan defender Win Min Htut stuck the post, however, it deflected into the net, keeping his side alive. His attempt was followed by Marañón, who delivered, what appeared to be, a gentle lob that went directly into the goal.

Shan United was eventually eliminated when defender William Nyakwe’s attempt flew over the goal post and sealed the deal for a 4-3 win on penalties by the Negrense side.

Ceres next faces A-League club Brisbane Roar next week, January 23, in the second preliminary round./PLL, WDJ