By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Ceres-Negros FC defeated Davao Aguilas FC, 2-0, last Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, extending their lead on the 2018 Philippine Football League (PFL) table to four points.

Ceres midfielder Bienvenido Marañón opened scoring in the 42nd minute. Midfielder Mike Ott went on to double the lead in the 55th minute.

“Both teams had to suffer through the intense heat but everyone [on] the team is in good shape,” said Ceres team manager James Dinsay. “We stuck to our game plan and executed well.”

Next week, the Negrense club faces Yangon United FC of Myanmar on May 9, starting at 7:00 p.m., in the first leg of their 2018 AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal semifinal.

Ceres FC are the defending AFC Cup ASEAN Zone champions.

“We all know how important the game is, especially playing at Panaad Stadium,” Dinsay added. “We are excited and looking forward to the challenge.”

Meanwhile, with regard to the postponed match between Kaya FC-Iloilo and Global Cebu FC, Liga Futbol, Inc., which governs the PFL, released a statement indicating the Board of Directors has yet to decide on the match’s “status.”

Global also released a formal apology, noting, “The club’s current financial status will not allow us to travel.”/JSG, WDJ