by Jonas Terrado
Defending two-time champion Ceres-Negros sneaked past Kaya-Iloilo, 2-1, Wednesday to snatch the lead in the Philippines Football League at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Spanish striker Bienvenido Marañon struck twice as the Busmen came away with their fifth straight victory despite a Jovin Bedic screamer that put Kaya ahead early in the second half.
Ceres tied Kaya at 16 points but holds top spot on goal difference.
It was Kaya’s first loss of the season after starting with a six-match unbeaten streak. Iloilo won the first five games before being held to a scoreless draw by Green Archers United last Saturday.
Bedic put last year’s Copa Paulino Alcantara winners on top in the 52nd minute with a 20-yard attempt past goalie Roland Muller.
But Ceres tied the count 18 minutes later as Marañon produced the equalizer off a cross by Stephan Schrock from the left flank.
Schrock once again crossed it to Marañon with a header three minutes to give the Busmen the lead and never looked back.
