By Adrian Stewart Co

Ceres-Negros FC secured their third consecutive 2019 Philippines Football League (PFL) title over the weekend with a 3-1 win over Green Archers United FC at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa City, Batangas. The championship also provides the Bacolod City-based club another chance to compete in the AFC Champions League with qualification into the 2020 preliminary round.
Early on, it appeared clinching the championship was going to be delayed after Green Archers midfielder John Celiz opened scoring in the 24th minute.
The two sides went into halftime with Ceres down by a goal.
Into the second half, the Negrense side found their equalizer in the 50th minute through midfielder Angélo Marasigan. Fellow midfielder Bienvenido Marañon then delivered for Ceres towards the end of the period, scoring in the 81st and 87th minutes.
In the earlier match, Kaya FC-Iloilo scored a 3-1 win over Stallion Laguna FC with striker Jordan Mintah earning a brace in the first half with goals in the 37th and 41st minute. Stallion Laguna midfielder Jesus Melliza managed to pull one back with a penalty in the 65th minute; however, Kaya striker Darryl Roberts added another just at the end of the second half.
Ceres FC is currently six points ahead of second place Kaya FC on the PFL table with one game in hand.
The two are scheduled to meet next weekend, September 19, for their fourth “Visayas Clásico” this season. The Negrense club has won their three prior meetings./ASC, WDJ