Ceres Negros have won the ASEAN Zone of the AFC Cup 2017 after defeating Singapore's Home United 2-0 in the second leg at Bacolod City on Wednesday, thanks to goals from Jose Porteria and Manuel Ott.
The win sealed a 3-2 aggregate win for the Philippine side who had lost the first leg in Singapore 1-2.
Ceres knew that they had to score goals quickly in the game and came out all guns blazing at home. They grabbed the lead on the night as early as in the second minute when Iain Ramsey's cross was volleyed home expertly by Porteria from close range.
A shell shocked Home United gave Ceres a chance to double their lead in the 14th minute when Abdil Qaiyyim handled another Ramsey cross inside the area. However, Fernando Rodriguez missed from the spot to let him off the hook.
However, Ceres' dominance continued and the Philippine side grabbed that all important second goal just three minutes before the break. Manuel Ott curled a delightful freekick right into the top corner to set off pandemonium in the stands.
Though Home United pressed hard to get the goal that would have sent the tie into extra time, with Stipe Plazibat hitting the woodwork late on, Ceres held on admirably to seal their spot in the Inter-Zonal semifinals.
They will take on Tajikistan's FC Istiklol later this month.