Ceres FC eager to prove themselves in AFC Cup qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines- Two-time national club title holders and UFL FA League Cup champs Ceres La Salle FC are ready to take on Maldives’ Maziya Sports and Recreation Club for the playoff round of the AFC Cup, according to club director Ali Go.

Ceres FC, in their bid to qualify for the group stage of the continental club football tournament, will have conquer Maziya in its home turf at the National Football Stadium in the Maldivian capital of Male on February 17. 

“Personally, I think we have a very big chance in winning this game versus Maziya,” Go said in an interview with Rappler. 

“We have designed a system and strategy specifically for our game versus Maziya. Players are all positive now and will give 200 percent to win this game.” 

He added that they are specifically motivated to move on to the next round because he feels like they were ‘robbed’ of the honor of being the first club to be in the cup’s group stage. 

“We feel that we were robbed for a place in the group stage. That’s why we want to show everybody that we want to win and be in the group stage.”

Their new recruit, former Sporting Kansas City midfielder Martin Steuble and several other Azkals standouts are set to banner the Bacolod-based club.

Meanwhile, Go stressed that he believes that his club will fair well against their rivals due to their experience in playing in the AFC President’s Cup.

“I think Ceres will give all opponents a hard time. Just look back at the Presidents Cup. AFC respects Ceres FC already. We drew with North Korea, We won versus Taiwan and we just lost 2-1 via last attempt goal to Turkmenistan.”

Ceres FC is scheduled to leave for Maldives later today to prepare for their upcoming bout with the home club next week. – Rappler.com