Ceres Negros stays perfect, edges Persija Jakarta

Bienve Marañon celebrates after the lone goal of the match for Ceres Negros. AFC
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Ceres Negros went 3-for-3 in the first round of the group stages of the AFC Cup after edging Persija Jakarta, 1-0, at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod on Wednesday night.

Bienve Marañon's strike was the difference as Negros created some separation from the rest of Group G with the second round happening later in the month.

Marañon received a feed from Martin Steuble and headed in the ninth goal that turned out to be the winner for Negros.

Negros is now 3-0 in the table for nine points.

Jakarta, on the other hand, fell to a tie with Becamex Binh Duong, 2-1 winner at Shan United, for second with four points, although the former is up on overall goal difference.

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