Group G leader Ceres-Negros failed to widen the gap with the rest of the field after being held to a goalless draw by Malaysian side Felda United at home Wednesday in the AFC Cup at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
The Busmen were unable to find the back of the net that frustrated most of the 9,000 fans, and almost came out as the losing team had not for goalkeeper Roland Muller’s save past the hour mark.
Ceres conceded a penalty after OJ Porteria brought down Norshahrul Talada in the 61st minute, but Muller responded by stopping Lucas Cano’s spot kick.
The draw put Ceres level with Vietnamese side Hanoi at five points apiece after three matches, but holds the group lead on goal difference.
It ended a disappointing two days for Philippine clubs against their Malaysian counterparts after Global was beaten 4-0 by Johor Darul Ta’zim on Tuesday in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
That setback dropped Global to second place in Group F, one off JDT, halfway into the group stage competition.