Ceres bows out of AFC

Ceres-La Salle saw its campaign in the AFC Cup end in heartbreaking fashion after losing 1-0 in extra time to South China of Hong Kong in their round of 16 match last night at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

South China’s Brazilian player Luiz Carlos struck the only goal in the 16th minute of extra time, stunning the partisan fans who were hoping to see Ceres advance to the two-legged quarterfinals of Asia’s second-tier competition.

Chances by Ceres to force a penalty shootout through an equalizing goal went for naught as the reigning UFL league champion suffered an early exit despite topping Group E with three victories and three draws.

Both teams battled to a scoreless tie at the end of regulation, failing in their respective chances to find the back of the net.

But Carlos rose to the occasion for the visiting side when he delivered the winner off teammate Mahama Awal.

Ceres’ elimination put more pressure on Kaya to keep the Philippines’ campaign in the competition, although it already has a daunting task at hand against defending champion Johor Darul Ta’zim tonight in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

The match is set at 8:45 p.m. as Kaya must produce a sensational showing to score an upset win over JDT, composed of top Southeast Asian players in Safiq Rahim, Safee Sali and Amri Yahyah.