Ceres FC opens ASEAN Zonal Finals with 1-1 draw

By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Defending AFC Cup ASEAN Zone champions Ceres-Negros FC opened this year’s finals earlier this week with a 1-1 draw against Home United FC of Singapore at the Panaad Park and Stadium.
Ceres was on the board early with a penalty after Home United defender Shakir Hamzah brought down Ceres forward Blake Powell in the box. The latter easily converted the penalty in the 8th minute.
The visiting side later equalized in the 23rd minute following a corner kick, which Home United striker Shahril Ishak headed into goal with the help of a deflection off the crossbar.
Into first half stoppage time, Ceres was awarded a close-range free kick, which midfielder Manuel Ott kicked over the crossbar.
In the 66th minute, Ishak nearly scored a brace; however, his attempt was deflected away from goal.
With the match entering its closing minutes, Ceres midfielder Stephan Schröck almost scored the winner into second half stoppage time as Home United goalkeeper Rudy Khairullah dropped the ball with his first save attempt, forcing him to dive on the ball to prevent a goal.
“There was no space to play,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidaković. “We did what we can at this moment and we have another 90 minutes there.”
The second leg is scheduled for Wednesday, August 8, at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore./JSG, WDJ