CEBU FC advanced to the group stage of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup 2025/2026 after a convincing 3-0 victory over Brunei Super League champions Kasuka FC in the second leg of the qualifying round on Aug. 15, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Gentle Giants beat Kasuka FC on a 4-2 aggregate to secure a spot in the group stage. Cebu FC lost to Kasuka FC, 1-2, and was trailing behind by a goal in aggregate going into the second leg.
Australian striker Esrom Paulos hit the opening goal for Cebu FC in the 21st minute. He scored a nifty left-footer inside the box from a cross past Tajik winger Abdulfatohi Khudoidodzoda.
After scoring once in the first leg, Rico Andes made his presence felt once again and doubled up on his performance by scoring a brace.
Andes broke away from the Kasuka FC’s defenders and hit the back of the net in the 27th minute in a one-on-one situation against Kasuka FC goalkeeper Wardun Yussof.
Kasuka FC striker Jacob Njoku had a chance to trim down Cebu FC’s lead but his strike early in the second half hit the crossbar.
Andes doubled up later on in the second half and scored his second goal in the 72nd minute. He headed-in the ball from a corner kick by Senegalese striker Abou Sy, who played central midfield in the match.
Cebu FC will join a tough Group A against the likes of defending champion Buriram United of Thailand, last year’s second placer Cong An Hanoi FC of Vietnam, Thai club BG Pathum United, Malaysia’s Selangor FC, and Singapore’s Tampines Rovers. / EKA