Dany Saputra and OJ Porteria battle for the loose ball. AFC |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PASIG--Just when everyone thought Persija Jakarta will walk away with a comfortable home win, Ceres Negros pulled a huge comeback at the death.
Ceres Negros came alive in the endgame to stun Persija Jakarta, 3-2, in the AFC Cup at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday.
After a goalless first half, Jakarta surged ahead early in the second half as goals from Sandi Sute (49th minute) and Bruno De Matos (57th) gave the home side a 2-0 lead.
The comeback began in the 70th minute, when Miguel Tanton scored on a free kick to put Negros on the board.
Negros then got the equalizer in the 85th minute when Bienve Maranon converted on a feed from Stephan Schrock.
Mike Ott then capped the rally after Schrock found him off a cross for the stoppage time game winner.
Negros remains perfect after four matches at 12 points, bolstering its lead in Group G and drawing the club nearer to a playoff spot.
Jakarta remained stuck in third place with four points.
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