By Paulo Loreto Lim

Ceres-Negros FC opened their Philippines Football League (PFL) title defense last Wednesday with a come-from-behind win over Kaya FC-Iloilo in the “Visayas Clásico” at the Panaad Park and Stadium.

Ceres Striker Takumi Uesato and midfielder Bienvenido Marañón offered up attempts in the 25th and 30th minutes, respectively, with both shots going wide.

In the 36th minute, Ceres midfielder Mike Ott attempted a shot that went over the goal.

The clubs went into halftime with a scoreless draw.

In the 63rd minute, Kaya striker Jordan Mintah dribbled into the box and managed to tap in a goal, putting the Ilonggo side up 1-0.

Under pressure being down by one, Ceres midfielder Manuel Ott scored the equalizer in the 75th minute, off a pass from Marañón.

The Ott brothers proved to be instrumental in the second half, with Mike scoring the decisive goal 10 minutes later.

The Negrense club next faces Cambodian club Boeung Ket Angkor FC when they return to the 2018 AFC Cup group stage competition on Wednesday, April 11./PLL, WDJ