AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal champions in 2017, and looking like they will be in the mix for the title in this year's competition, Ceres Negros of the Philippines chalked up a third win in four continental games by narrowly edging Shan United 1-0 in Yangon.

And it was a victory that could be vital, according to Ceres midfielder Mike Ott.

The visitors started the brighter of the two teams at Thuwunna Stadium as they almost effortlessly passed the ball around, and were gifted the chance to open the scoring when Win Hein Phyo handled the ball in the box, with Spanish striker Maranon making no mistake from the resulting spot-kick to give the visitors the lead.

Risto Vidakovic’s side continued to dominate as the home side struggled to retain possession and create any meaningful attacks.

Manuel Ott should’ve doubled the lead on the hour mark when Maranon dinked a left-footed cross into the path of an on-rushing Ott, but the midfielder pulled his shot wide.

Ceres wasted another glorious chance to double their lead 20 minutes later when Stephan Schrock slid the ball across the box for OJ Porteria, but with an open net at his mercy the substitute could only hit his shot into the post, with his follow-up effort well saved by Phone Thitsar Min.

But the solitary goal was enough for Ceres to take all three points and retain their spot atop Group F.

 

There was little goalmouth action in the early stages but Shahril Ishak’s header from Song Ui-young’s cross was well saved by Sou Yaty in the 26th minute.

The home side then took a deserved lead in the 37th minute when Shahril headed home from Izzdin Shafiq’s free-kick.

Home United then added a second a minute before half-time. Shahril swept in a low cross from the right and Song Ui-young met it at the near post and diverted it across the keeper with a smart finish.

Song Ui-young had a great chance to make it 3-0 at the start of the second half but the midfielder side footed wide after a defensive error had given him the opportunity.

But the hosts soon added the third goal when Shahril seized upon a poor attempted back pass and cut back for Faritz Hameed to tap into an empty net.

Anumanthan Kumar was next to get in on the scoring act when he controlled a cross from Sirina Camara before smashing the ball home from close range with 18 minutes remaining.

A dismal evening for Boeung Ket got worse when Samuel Ayaji was sent off for a poor challenge on Juma’at Jantan in the 81st minute.

And Anumanthan added insult to injury two minutes later when he netted a fifth with a rocket shot from 25 yards.

Home United completed the rout when Izzdin scored from a free-kick with three minutes left.

The result leaves Home United second in the group with seven points from their four games, while Boeung Ket remain bottom on three points.

Both teams have home fixtures on Matchday Five. Home United could qualify for the next stage win a win over Shan United, while Boeung Ket must beat Ceres Negros to keep their hopes alive.

 

Football history was made at Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday night in the most dramatic fashion. Deadlocked in a goalless stalemate, Kitchee had failed to break down a Kashiwa side that had been reduced to 10 men since the 15th minute.

Indeed, the Japanese side had gone close to scoring through Brazilian duo Ramon Lopes and Cristiano, while Kitchee's best chances had often come from distance. But there was to be a moment of magic that turned the tie on its head, and write a new chapter for Hong Kong football.

Unquestionably one of the most prolific players to participate in the AFC Champions League since the tournament revamp in 2002-2003, made more history on March 13 when Suwon Samsung Bluewings forward Damjanovic fired in his third goal of the 2018 campaign.

Not only did the strike end the deadlock with China's Shanghai Shenhua and pave the way to a 2-0 win that keeps the Koreans firmly on track for a place in the Round of 16, but it was the 36-year-old's 30th goal in the AFC Champions League, leaving him out alone in second place on the all-time scorers list.

The-AFC.com caught up with the former Montenegro international to reflect on his achievements so far.

As ever in Tehran, the competition sparked fever pitch as fans of the Islamic Republic of Iran giants turned up in the tens of thousands to witness the 1-1 draw between two-time continental champions Esteghlal and inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain.

Mame Baba Thiam put the hosts a goal up from the spot just before half-time before Tsukasa Shiotani levelled with 12 minutes to play as Esteghlal remained top of the standings, two points ahead of third-place Al Ain who have drawn four from four.