SINGAPORE – Mike Ott netted the game-winner during added time as Ceres-Negros FC survived a thriller against Persija Jakarta, 3-2, in the 2019 AFC Cup on Tuesday, April 23, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

The Bacolod-based club stays on top of Group G with 12 points and is on track in advancing to the ASEAN Zonal semifinals. 

Ceres rallied late from two goals down as Miguel Tanton sparked the comeback with a smooth sailing free kick in the 70th minute, and Bienvienido Marañon headed a Stephan Schrock’s cross from the center of the box 15 minutes later. 

After a goalless first half thanks to Roland Muller’s fine penalty save, Sandi Darma Sute opened the floodgates in the 49th minute with a header off a free kick. 

In the 52nd minute, Persija keeper came up for a double save as he denied both Marañon and OJ Porteria. 

Five minutes later, Bruno Matos exacted revenge on Muller for the penalty save as he doubled Persija’s lead, 2-0. 

Ceres-Negros will face Shan United on Wednesday, May 1. – Rappler.com