Ceres-La Salle FC again made history by scoring a 5-0 win against Lt. Sheikh Jamal DC last May 10 at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City. The Bacolod squad also secured their unbeaten streak in the group stages securing the home game in the Round of 16.
The Bacolod squad came off a dream start when Maranon recovered a clearance from a corner and blasted the ball from the edge of the box for the 1-0 lead in the 7th minute. The home squad doubled the advantage when Patrick Reichelt beat the offside, rushed to the goal and laid off to an open Gallardo who secures the second.
Landing Darboe had a good chance for Sheikh Jamal when a combination play saw him cut through he Ceres defense but Casas was there for the save in the 10th minute. The Bangladeshi-squad had several half chances but the Ceres defense were there to clear out the danger.
The rest of the half was a see-saw affair with the visitors getting the better of the chances. Emeka Onuoha hit the post in the 32nd while Reichelt blasted a left footed shot which was cleared by the Sheikh Jamal keeper. Gallardo had another chance with a header after a Reichelt floater but the keeper was there to collect. Darboe would then close the half with free kick which went through everyone and hit the post.
Sheikh Jamal had a good chance at the start of the half with a Jewel Rana flick but Casas was there to collect. Ceres closed out all hope after Gallardo tapped in a brace in the 56th minute. The Spaniard would make it three when he tapped in another Reichelt cross to make it 3-0.
Gallardo would get his hat trick in the 64th when a Casas long ball was headed into space by Reichelt making it 4-0. Reichelt would get his deserving goal in the 70th after breaking the offside and putting one past Mustaq Rahman making it 5-0. Ceres would close out the win to secure a historic night for Philippine football.
Ceres now await the result in Group G to determine the opponent on March 24 in Panaad.
Photo from the-afc.com
