MANILA, Philippines – Ceres La Salle FC achieved a milestone third-place finish in the 2016 Singapore Cup as it rallied past Balestier Khalsa, 2-1, Saturday night at Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
After trailing 0-1, Azkals stalwarts Manny Ott and Stephan Schrock struck in the second half to complete the come-from-behind win for the Negros-based squad in the bronze medal match.
The Busmen scored the highest finish for a Philippine side in the annual international club competition, surpassing the achievements of Global FC and Loyola Meralco Sparks, which had previously placed fourth.
Ceres found itself playing catch up in the early goings as Niko Tokic fired a volley over custodian Michael Casas just four minutes in.
The Pinoy club pressed forward in a spirited effort to go for the equalizer but it wasn’t until a little past the hour mark that it finally drew level.
The opportunity came in the 63rd when Balestier keeper Zaiful Nizam punched a cross against the post and the ball fell to Ott. The Fil-German gratefully took the rebound and sent it home.