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| ON A ROLL. OJ Porteria and Kaya have won three matches after dropping their opener against Kitchee. (file photo) |
by Kevin Estrada
In just a matter of time, Kaya and Ceres will be resuming their quest for continental glory as the AFC Cup returns for its fifth matchday in the group stages.
With the path to the knockout stage now looked clearer by the day, the UFL's best knew that they should not be complacent and overconfident, despite leading their respective groups against their more established rivals in the tournament.
Both clubs knew that a win in their respective matches would guarantee them a spot in the knockout stages next month, another historic achievement for Filipino clubs since they joined in AFC competitions in 2013.
Apart from their primary objective of getting all 3 points, they can also settle their unfinished business in matches like these that makes them into acid tests that can challenge their resolve if they can get the job done.
At 3PM, all eyes lead to the recently-deposed Cup holders, as they face their tormentors from Matchday 1 in their final home match in the group stage that meant so much for both sides.
A win by Kaya will not just give them three points, but also a safe progression into the knockout stage and as well as avoiding defending titlists Johor Darul Ta'zim in the process with a match to spare. Anything less than that, coupled with results from Balestier-New Radiant later, will plunge Group F into utter chaos heading into the final day two weeks from now.
Joel Villarino's side will go all out despite four of their goalscorers are in danger in missing the flight to Male, as they have been able to compete at this level even though they are playing in their continental debut.
Going down and south to the mainland part of Southeast Asia, Selangor will welcome the reigning UFL Champions in Selayang in a return fixture in Panaad last month that will have huge implications in Group E.
With three teams separated by just a point, Ceres knew that they can be safe from the axe for now with a shocking win over their more storied opponent, which has been the institution in Malaysian football which is more than 20 times older than their club itself. They also need help from Tampines Rovers who are away in Bangladesh against a winless Sheikh Jamal to ensure that they are still on top of their heap.
Frank Muescan will have to dealt with the Busmen who are tired from two matches in four days in two venues, not to mention that they will have to face the Red Giants without Bienvenido Maranon who was suspended after he was booked a fortnight ago in Bacolod.
So, with all things said and done, expect a rousing start to an exciting week for Philippine football.
Follow him on Twitter: @KevinLEstrada
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