Defending champions Ceres Negros FC made a winning start to their title Philippines Football League (PFL) defence when they beat Kaya FC 2-1at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod.
But Ceres had to endure some anxious moments when the visitors nailed the lead through Ghanaian forward Jordan Mintah in the 64th minute, before they fought back with two late goals.
The Ott brothers – Manny and Mike – were on target in the 75th and 85th minute respectively to give Ceres their first three points of the new season.
The win put Ceres Negros FC on third – behind first placed JPV Marinka and Kaya-Iloilo, who have both played two matches more.
In the meantime, Stallion Laguna bounced back from their first loss of the new season to beat Global Cebu FC 2-1 at the Binan Football Stadium with Carlo Polli scoring from the penalty spot in the 78th minute.
Earlier, the Stallions found the lead off Fitch Arboleda in the 56th minute that was cancelled out by Darryl Roberts’ header right at the hour mark.
PHILIPPINES FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2018 Current Standings
| No | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| 1 | JPV Marikina | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 6 |
| 2 | Kaya–Iloilo | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | Ceres–Negros | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 |
| 4 | Stallion Laguna | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 5 | Davao Aguilas | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 | Global Cebu | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 0 |
