End of the road for Ceres in AFC Cup

BACOLOD CITY – Ceres Negros’ historic AFC Cup run came to an end last Tuesday night at the hands of a big, strong and organized side from Central Asia.

Facing a deficit that even the strongest teams can’t overcome, the Busmen were knocked out of the competition after a 1-1 draw with Istiklol of Tajikistan in the second leg of the inter zone semifinals at Panaad Stadium here.

A 0-4 loss away in Dushanbe three weeks ago meant the Busmen fell 1-5 on aggregate and sent Istiklol to the inter zone finals where it will face either Bengaluru of India or 4.25 of North Korea.

Returning from suspension, Spanish defender Super Herrera gave Ceres a glimmer of hope with a header off a corner in the 34th minute. But Dimitri Barkov pulled a goal back for the visitors just before the break, leaving the Busmen with an even tougher climb.

Author: Cedelf P. Tupas, Inquirer
Full Article: http://sports.inquirer.net/264689/end-road-ceres-afc-cup