Ott scores stoppage time

winner for Ceres FC

By Adrian Stewart Co

Ceres-Negros FC defender Mike Ott scored a stoppage time winner in their 3-2 win over defending Liga 1 champions Persija Jakarta of Indonesia yesterday in the ongoing 2019 AFC Cup group stage at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.

“It was hard work, literally,” Ott said in a post-match interview. “To come back from a 2-0 deficit is huge for us.”

“This is a big morale boost for the team,” he added.

Following a scoreless first half, midfielder Sandi Sute put the Indonesian side up 1-0 four minutes into the restart. In the 57th minute, midfielder Bruno Matos doubled the lead for the home side.

The Bacolod City-based club began their comeback in the 70th minute when midfielder Miguel Tanton pulled one back. Midfielder Bienvenido Marañón later scored the equalizer in the 85th minute.

It wasn’t until stoppage time when Ceres midfielder Stephan Schröck found Ott, who nailed the decisive goal with a header.

The win keeps the Negrense club undefeated in the competition and maintains their lead of Group G with 12 points./ASC, WDJ