Ceres Negros overhauled a two-goal deficit in the final 20 minutes to stun host Persija Jakarta, 3-2, Tuesday in the AFC Cup at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Mike Ott struck the winner in stoppage time with a volley off Stephan Schrock’s cross to give Ceres its fourth straight win to shock majority of the 35,000 fans.
The victory kept the Busmen unbeaten after four matches to tighten their grip on top spot in Group G with 12 points, five clear of second placer Becamex Binh Duong of Vietnam.
Ceres needs to win one of its remaining two matches to win the group and advance to the ASEAN Zonal semifinals for the third straight year.
Goals from substitute Miguel Tanton and Spanish striker Bienvenido Maranon set up the comeback after Ceres looked dead in the water when Persija scored twice following the break.
Sandy Sute delivered the opener off a free kick before Bruno Matos scored past Ceres keeper Roland Muller courtesy of a through ball.
Tanton delivered Ceres’ first goal from a free kick before Maranon produced his sixth goal of the competition with a glancing header off Schrock’s cross.
