Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Adrian Gallardo scored a last-gasp header to secure a point for Ceres-La Salle FC in their opening fixture against Selangor FA in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup on Tuesday (February 23) at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod.
It was the hosts who got on the scoresheet first after Filipino national Stephan Schrock turned in a strike from outside the box to give Ceres a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.
The hosts were the more active of the two sides, but a mistake from Ceres keeper Michael Casas allowed the visitors to get back in the game.
Argentinian striker Mauro Olivi pounced on a poor clearance from the Filipino keeper, who turned in an easy goal to level the game, 1-1.
Selangor struck first in the second half after Mohd Hafiz blasted a free kick beyond the keeper to give the Malaysian side a 2-1 lead in the 59th minute.
The Bacolod-based side knocked on Selangor’s door as the game drew to a close, having a goal disallowed and seeing a Manny Ott volley go just wide.
Ceres finally got level in the 87th minute after Schrock sent in a high cross from the left side for Gallardo to nod the ball on to the post and into the net to send the crowd into raptures.
The UFL Champions had a late corner in injury time, but failed to convert it into a game winner.
The Filipino club will see action in the AFC Cup again on March 8 against Bangladesh’s Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi.
