MANILA – Ceres-Negros FC completed its three-peat bid via a 3-1 win over the Green Archers United FC in the 2019 Philippines Football League on Saturday night at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa, Batangas.
The Negros Occidental-based football team formalized its third consecutive league title by improving to 56 points (18 wins and two draws) while also earning the right to be one of the Philippines’ representatives to the 2020 AFC Cup.
The Busmen netted the championship even if there are still two games remaining in their schedule against Mendiola FC 1991 on Oct. 16 and regional rival Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo at the close of the tournament on Oct. 19.
Green Archers United actually notched the early advantage in the game courtesy of a hit by Ilonggo John Celiz at the 24th minute, but Ceres-Negros quickly tied things up with Angelo Marasigan finding the back of the net at the 50th minute.
Both teams failed to convert since then until Spanish striker Bienvenido Marañon broke the dry spell for the Busmen at the 81st minute before following it up with another conversion six minutes later to clinch the PFL title.
With the defeat, the Green Archers United remained at fourth spot in the standings with 32 points, on nine wins, five draws and eight defeats.
Meanwhile, Kaya Iloilo completed its mastery of the Stallion Laguna FC in the tournament after a 3-1 victory with Jordan Mintah converting two goals and Darryl Roberts adding another one./PN
