(CNN Philippines, December 10) — Ceres-Negros FC and Global Cebu FC are set to clash in the first-ever championship in the Philippines Football League (PFL) inaugural season on Saturday.
The league has yet to announce a venue for the Final.
The Busmen from Negros had to battle past Kaya-Makati FC in their two-legged semifinal series to earn a spot in the Final.
Ceres outclassed Kaya after a 2-1 victory at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod, which saw them advance 3-1 on aggregate.
Kaya’s Antonio Ugarte canceled out Bienvindo Marañon’s opener in the first half, but Iain Ramsay gifted the home team the winning goal in the 78th minute.
In the other semi-final tie, Global Cebu had to claw their way past top-seeded FC Meralco Manila to make it to the PFL’s showcase event.
After a dramatic 2-1 victory in the first leg of their semifinal, a draw was enough for the Cebu-based club to see off Manila at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez nicked the goal to equalize, 1-1, for Cebu in the 86th minute.
A second goal from Manila would have seen the game go into extra time, but the Cebu defense stayed resolute and preserved their place in the Final.
Both finalists have also secured a spot in the 2018 edition of the AFC Cup, by virtue of being the top two clubs in the 2017 PFL season.
The champions will also earn a place in the qualifying phase of the 2018 AFC Champions League.
