Ceres defeats Persija Jakarta

By Adrian Stewart Co

An early goal from midfielder Bienvenido Marañón was all Ceres-Negros FC needed in their 1-0 win over defending Liga 1 champions Persija Jakarta of Indonesia in the 2019 AFC Cup group stage last Wednesday night at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

The win gives the Bacolod City-based club a commanding lead in Group G with nine points, five points ahead of their recent opponents and Vietnamese club Becamex Binh Duong FC, who are both sitting on four points.

Marañón scored the match’s sole goal in the ninth minute with a header off a cross from defender Martin Steuble. The Negrense club kept the pressure on as both the midfielder and defender Mike Ott made attempts later in the first half.

However, before the close of the first half, Persija Jakarta striker Bambang Pamungkas nearly scored an equalizer.

Into the second half, Ceres midfielder Kevin Ingreso nearly doubled their lead after his attempt struck the woodwork.

Meanwhile, a second attempt at an equalizer came after a header by midfielder Rohit Chand was saved by Ceres goalkeeper Roland Müller./ASC, WDJ