With Global clinching the league title in early October, Ceres-La Salle is hell-bent on qualifying to the AFC Cup and only a win against the recently crowned champs will bring them back to Asia’s second-tier football competition.
The 2015 league champions took the 2016 AFC Cup by storm clinching top seed of their group before bowing out in extra time in the round of 16. Ceres is currently in second place with 38 points followed by Loyola, JP Voltes, and Kaya with 37, 35, and 34 points respectively. All four teams still have a chance in getting the AFC Cup Playoff spot with two games left for each squad.
The last time the two teams met, Global rushed to a 3-1 lead before Ceres fought back to earn a draw in the last match of the first round. A lot has happened since with Ceres starting poorly in the second round which allowed Global an easier route to the league title. On Sunday however, it will be mostly about pride as the two teams clash again.
“Global is always a hard game. They give everything versus Ceres. You’ll probably see them at their best games with us”, said Ceres Technical Director Ali Go. The match will kickoff on October 16, 7PM at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
