By Jonas Terrado
Ceres-Negros completed its unbeaten domestic campaign with a rare double after dethroning Kaya-Iloilo 2-1 Saturday night to win the Copa Paulino Alcantara at the Binan Football Stadium in Laguna.
Members of Ceres-Negros beam with pride after winning the Copa Paulino Alcantara title Saturday at the Binan Football Stadium in Laguna. (Photo from Ceres-Negros)
Robert Lopez Mendy broke the ice in the first half, Tristan Robles doubled the lead after the restart before Ceres overcame Kaya’s comeback try late to claim the second edition of the cup competition named after former Barcelona great Paulino Alcantara.
The win also made Ceres the first club to win a double since Global ruled the league and cup competitions of the defunct United Football League in 2016.
Ceres also went unbeaten in 29 matches in the Copa and the Philippines Football League, a feat that enhanced the Bacolod-based side’s status as the country’s premier club.
The Busmen did it without the services of several key players led by midfielder Stephan Schrock, who currently abroad for the Philippine Azkals’ campaign in the FIFA World Cup/AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Mendy slotted the ball off James Younghusband’s pass to put Ceres in front in the 29th minute.
The Senegalese striker also set up the second goal for the Busmen when he led an attack that resulted in Robles’ goal in the 68th minute.
Kaya gave itself a chance to draw level when Kenshiro Daniels scored from the edge of the box, six minutes before stoppage time. But the much-needed second goal eluded Kaya until the final whistle.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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