Ceres FC solidifies lead in Group F after beating Shan United

By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Ceres-Negros FC beat Shan United FC, 1-0, in the ongoing 2018 AFC Cup group stage earlier this week at the Thuwunna Stadium in Myanmar, thanks to a penalty kick from midfielder Bienvenido Marañón.

The win kept the Negrense side atop Group F, three points clear of Singaporean outfit Home United FC.

“I’m only looking forward to shoot the next penalty and score,” the midfielder said during the post-match press conference.

Early in the first half, Shan United defender Hein Phyo Win committed a hand ball in the penalty area, earning a penalty kick of the visiting side, which Marañón successfully converted.

Meanwhile, Ceres coach Risto Vidaković discussed the difficult playing conditions.

“It’s very difficult to analyze how the team performed because of the weather,” he remarked.

Temperatures reportedly hit 38°C during the match.

Ceres next meets Cambodia’s Boeung Ket Angkor FC on April 11 at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh. The Negrense side dominated their previous meeting, winning 9-0./JSG, WDJ