Selangor moved into second place in Group E of the 2016 AFC Cup on Tuesday evening after a 0-0 draw with Ceres La Salle at Selayang Stadium as the team from the Philippines sealed their place in the knockout stage with one game remaining.

While there was little to get excited about for fans at the Malaysian arena, the fact that Tampines Rovers surprisingly lost 3-2 at Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi of Bangladesh means that both teams will be satisfied.

For Selangor, a draw in the final group game at Singapore's National Stadium against Tampines on May 10 will be enough to progress to the next phase.

Ceres are a point clear of the Red Giants on top of the group and two ahead of the Singapore side. Given that second play third in the remaining fixture, the team from Bacolod City can start to relax.

Chances were at a premium in a turgid first half. Selangor looked to do most of the attacking but struggled to break through the visiting defence, attempts that were not helped by the early departure of Liberian star Patrick Wleh after 19 minutes.

Ceres took plenty of time to get going and had a first genuine attempt just before the half hour when a well-struck free-kick from Stephan Schrock was blocked inside the six-yard box.

Soon after, Mauro Olivi finally had the home fans on their feet as the Argentine dribbled through the right side of the Ceres defence. But his shot from a tight angle was turned around the post.

Olivi also went close with a fierce low shot from outside the area that rolled just past the Philippine post. They were the best efforts from a dull first half but it was as good as it got for the disappointing Malaysian hosts.

Then, from nothing, Ceres should have taken the lead two minutes into the second half with by far the best chance of the game. Schrock flicked on a long ball into the path of Adrian Gallardo and the Spanish striker, unmarked not far from the penalty spot, pulled his shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.

On the hour, Jason Sabio went closer. A corner was allowed to bounce inside Selangor's six yard area and there was the defender to head just over the bar when he really should have done better.

Olivi had perhaps the best chance for the hosts in the second half too, firing a free-kick just wide 10 minutes from time. Shortly after, a long range effort from Nazmi Faiz just went pass the left hand post of the Philippine goal.

On May 10, Selangor travel to Singapore to take on Tampines while already qualified Ceres host already eliminated Sheikh Jamal.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by John Duerden

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