By Jonas Terrado
Coach Risto Vidakovic sees more room for improvement from Ceres-Negros even after it opened the AFC Cup campaign Tuesday night with a 4-0 win over Cambodian champion Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Ceres-Negros striker Bienvenido Maranon tries to get past two Svay Rieng defenders during Tuesday’s AFC Cup match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. (Photo from Ceres-Negros)
Takashi Odawara and Joshua Grommen scored in the first 14 minutes before Spanish talisman Bienvenido Maranon struck twice in the second half to give the Busmen the full three points and the early lead in Group G.
“I’m happy because we followed the plan and we played how we wanted to play,” said Vidakovic. “The team gets a lot of possessions during the game and they are dribbling the ball very good. The team is on a good way.”
Yet, Vidakovic feels getting into great form will take time, especially with the Philippines Football League season still a month away and their next AFC Cup game still slated Feb. 25 at home against Vietnam’s Than Quang Ninh at the same venue.
“Yes, they are not 100 percent because we have many competitive games on the way in the preseason, and maybe in one month we will be able to get into top form. Now, we still need many things to adjust,” said the Serbian mentor.
Another player who stepped up were goalkeeper Roland Muller, who kept a clean sheet by saving a spot kick by Svay Rieng’s Thiago dos Santos in the 23rd minute.
Also stepping up were midfielders OJ Porteria, who accounted for two assists and Manny Ott, back in the familiar yellow kits after a short spell in Thailand.
Vidakovic lauded Ott for providing stability at midfield which paved the way for the Busmen’s win.
“For us it’s a gift that we got him back,” he said.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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