MANILA – There was no stopping Ceres Negros from achieving a back-to-back titular victory in the 2018 Philippines Football League.
Spanish striker Bienvenido Marañon was on the lead in the scoring efforts, executing a hat trick that made the Busmen surge way ahead against Global Cebu 6-1 Wednesday night.
Newcomer Blake Powell, Omid Nazari and Mike Ott converted a goal each for Ceres at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Its successful quest for its second PFL crown earned Ceres a playoffs spot in the 2019 AFC Champions League.
Ceres managed to secure the title even with still three games in its schedule. It now has a total of 54 points on 17 wins, two losses and three draws – 21 points ahead of second placer Kaya Iloilo.
“I am so happy for the goals but especially with the win of the team,” said Marañon. “The league is almost over, and I am happy for the championship.”
After missing in its early attempts, Ceres opened the scoring when Marañon converted from a fine ball by Manny Ott. This was followed by a powerful strike by Mike Ott in the 36th minute.
Just before halftime, the Busmen widened the lead 3-0 on Nazari’s shot from the edge of the area before the Cebu team pulled one back early in the second half via a Marvin Angeles hit.
That turned to be the last stand of Global as Ceres unleashed three conversions – a spot kick from Powell and two more strikes from Marañon – to wrap up the victory.
“I am glad that we were able to finally secure the championship. Now we can focus our campaign in the AFC Cup,” said Ceres head coach Risto Vidakovic.
Ceres will get into a two-leg zonal final against Home United of Singapore in August.
After the loss, last year’s runner-up Global remained No. 6 in the standings with 5 points on one victory, 11 losses and two draws./PN
