CERES Negros FC, the reigning Philippine champions, will host Myanmar National League Champions Shan United FC on January 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Stadium for the 2020 AFC Champions League Preliminary Stage 1.
This is Ceres FC’s third appearance in the tournament since it qualified in 2018 and the second time for Shan United. It was recalled that the Philippine club defeated Shan United in their initial face-off 2 years ago, 1-1 (4-3) in a penalty at the latter’s home pitch at Taunggyi Stadium.
Further, both teams also saw action in last year’s AFC Cup where they played in Group G of the tournament. The Philippine club, however, dominated Shan United during that home and away matches. Ceres FC demolished the Myanmar side at Taunggyi Stadium in a convincing 5-nil victory while escaped Shan United at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City, 3-2.
The winner of this preliminary stage will challenge Thailand FA Cup Champions Port FC in Bangkok on January 21. The winner of this match will then advance to the play-off round against J. League’s FC Tokyo on January 28 with the victors earning a spot in Group F alongside South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai, China’s Shanghai Shenhua, and Australia’s Perth Glory.
Ceres FC made a stunning performance during the 2018 ACL by defeating Brisbane Roar of Australia, 3-2 in the Preliminary Stage 2 before falling to China’s Tianjin Quanjian, 2-nil in the playoff round. However, in last year’s edition of ACL, the Philippine club was eliminated in the preliminary stage by Yangon United of Myanmar, 2-1 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
On the other hand, Shan United FC did not qualify in last year’s ACL.
Call for support
With Ceres Negros FC playing away from home, the club is reaching out to its fans in Manila and nearby cities and provinces to come and show their support on January 14.
For years, Ceres FC fans have played a role in boosting the team’s morale as they bring pride and honor to the country.