Home United hosts Ceres-Negros
Ceres-Negros seeks an early advantage on the road as it starts the two-legged affair with Home United tonight in the ASEAN zonal finals of the AFC Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
Facing their biggest challenge yet, the Busmen are hoping to produce another favorable result in the Lion City and move closer toward arranging an inter-zonal semis clash with Istiklol of in the 7:30 p.m. match.
The Bacolod-based side is entering the zonal finals on a high after defeating 2015 winner Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia in the ASEAN semis, coupled with its impressive run of form recently in the Philippines Football League.
Spanish striker Bienvenido Maranon is expected to lead the charge for Ceres after scoring eight goals in the competition.
Also expected to deliver for the Busmen of Serbian coach Risto Vidakovic are Iain Ramsay, Manny Ott, Stephan Schrock, Martin Steuble and Fernando Rodriguez.
Home United spoiled an all-Philippine final in the ASEAN zonals when it eliminated Global-Cebu courtesy of a pair of last-gasp goals from Stipe Plabizat.
Meanwhile, Meralco-Manila begins its life minus brothers Phil and James Younghusband as it tries to regain sole possession of the lead against Global today in the lone PFL match at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The match is set at 4 p.m. in the Sparks' first game since they announced the departure of the Younghusbands to sign with the Davao Aguilas.