Ceres resumes AFC drive against Felda

MANILA, Philippines - Pacesetting Ceres Negros FC seeks to sustain its charge in the 2017 AFC Cup as it resumes its campaign in the second half of the group stages today against Malaysian side Felda United FC at Shah Alam Stadium in Selangor.

The Busmen tote five points built around one win and two draws to take a slight lead against Hanoi FC (five points also) on goal difference in Group G and getting the three points on the road will surely boost their chances of advancing to the zonal semifinals.

Although the Felda ranked at the bottom of the group with two points after the initial go action, the Fighters have shown they can compete against the Busmen whom they played to a 0-0 draw last March 15 at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City. 

“It’s a different game, different stadium. We play away, they’re playing home (this time). We know each other already much more from three weeks ago. They didn’t play games, we didn’t play games so it’s totally different game,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic.

“If the style for both teams didn’t change, I think it will be a very hard game for both teams. Everyone is a champion or second place in the group so it’s very, very hard. Every game, you have to fight for the points so I think it will be the same in this game also,” he added. 

Ceres will miss the services of Azkals mainstay Manny Ott, who will sit this one out after getting his second yellow card last time.