Cebu score landmark AFC Cup win after beating Myanmar

MANILA, Philippines–Dynamic Herb Cebu produced a landmark first victory in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup after edging out Myanmar’s Shan United, 1-0, on Thursday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Japanese footballer Ken Murayama had his shot hit Shan United goalkeeper Myo Min Latt before going into the net in the 29th minute that eventually spelled the difference for the Gentle Giants, who got the win after two harsh defeats on the continental front.

Murayama was initially awarded as the scorer, but it was later determined as an own goal courtesy of the Burmese keeper.

Cebu’s triumph came a few hours after Stallion-Laguna nearly produced a win against Malaysia’s Terengganu before settling for a 2-2 draw.

The win was also perhaps the biggest for the Talisay City outfit since its entry to the top-level domestic scene in late 2021.

The Gentle Giants also erased the disappointment of losing the first leg of its Copa Paulino Alcantara semis duel to non-Philippines Football League side Davao Aguilas-University of Makati last weekend.

With three points midway into the continental campaign, Cebu jumped to third place in Group F behind leader Phnom Penh Crown of Cambodia and Macarthur FC of Australia.

Murayama rushed back at the left flank and fired a low shot despite being marked by several Shan United defenders and hit Min Latt, who couldn’t prevent the ball from going into his own goal.