Ceres-Negros tries to keep its semifinal chances alive when the face the Davao Aguilas on their final group match in the Copa Paulino Alcantara on September 22 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
A mistake heavy match saw the Busmen go down to Davao 1-3 in their opening cup match last September 1 at the Rizal Memorial. Defensive errors resulted to goals also against an also shorthanded Aguilas squad.
The Busmen however redeemed themselves in the third group game when they overcame a one-goal deficit to finish with a 2-1 victory over Stallion.
Blake Powell’s prodigious strike cancelled out a Jess Melliza goal in the first half to impressively put the Negros squad ahead. An impressive buildup allowed Manny Ott to bundle home the winner in the 84th minute.
Ceres assistant Ian Treyes is looking forward to their final group match as he hopes to build on the momentum for the do-or-die match.
“Everyone is willing to take the last two games so that we can qualify to the semifinal. Obviously we are missing some of our players also but hopefully we can continue our good performance after this win,” said Treyes.
Ceres are still missing some key players because of injuries but have gotten some help from the bench from the likes of Alfe Sebuha and Junior De Murga who made their debut in the last match. Super Herrera is expected to return after serving out his suspension.
The Negros squad will be keen to continue its good form leading into their final group assignment in the first edition of the cup.
“For the last group game, we just want to enjoy it first of all. It’s been along season. You get tired after a while but the most important is that you still enjoy the game. So we’re definitely looking forward to the last game. We want to give our best. Whatever the outcome is, we want to go out and be proud of ourselves,” said midfielder Manny Ott.
Though still at the bottom of the three team group, Ceres-Negros are level on points against the other teams and a win will put them in temporary first place and will help their cause of reaching the semifinal.
The match will be streamed live on PFLtv.ph and will kickoff at 4pm. Admission is free for all fans.
http://ceresfootball.com/copa-preview-davao-aguilas-v-ceres-negros/
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