Ceres trounces Myanmar’s Yangon, nears Zonal berth

MANILA, Philippines — With Spaniard Bienvenido Maranon firing a brace, Ceres Negros turned back Yangon United of Myanmar, 4-2, to grab a two-goal head-start in their AFC Cup Asean zone semifinal series Wednesday night at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

Maranon blasted his double in the first 45 minutes as the Busmen raced to a 3-nil margin to set the tone for the crucial victory in the two-leg series.

The result put the reigning Philippines Football League in good position to reach the zonal final again as they only need a draw in the return leg in the Burmese capital on May 16 to advance. 

With two away goals, Yangon can foil Ceres’ plans if it posts a 2-0 win in the second match.

Maranon put the Busmen on the board in the 29th minute, beating the offside trap to get to a through ball from Manny Ott and launched a glorious chip over Yangon goal keeper San Sat Naing to the delight of 4,986 home supporters.

Four minutes later, Naing managed to stop Mike Ott’s long shot but Patrick Reichelt was at the right place at the right time, tapping the ball in to double Ceres’ lead. Maranon struck again minute before half time to make it 3-0.