By Adrian Stewart Co

Ceres-Negros FC lost 2-1 to Yangon United FC of Myanmar last Tuesday in the first round of the 2019 AFC Champions League qualifying playoffs at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City. The loss spelled the end of the Bacolod City-based club’s campaign to make the 2019 AFC Champions League group stage.

Midfielder Vinicius Miller opened scoring for the visiting side, meeting the back of the goal in the 27th minute; however, in the 44th minute, Ceres midfielder Stephan Schröck scored the equalizer.

In the second half, striker Kaung Htet Soe scored for Yangon United in the 59th minute.

Subsequent attempts by Ceres midfielders OJ Porteria and Kevin Ingreso were both saved by keeper Kyaw Zin Htet.

Late substitute for the home side, midfielder Bienvenido Marañón, made the last push to prolong the match but misfired his attempt at goal.

Last year, Ceres FC was one round away from making the 2018 AFC Champions League group stage after defeating Shan United FC of Myanmar and A-League club Brisbane Roar, but they eventually lost to Tianjin Quanjian FC of China.

Despite losing an opportunity in the Champions League, Ceres is already in Group G of the AFC Cup, which they qualified for after winning the 2018 Philippines Football League. They are drawn alongside Shan United, Becamex Bình Dương FC of Vietnam’s V.League 1, and Persija Jakarta of Indonesia’s Liga 1./ASC, WDJ