A-League clubs’ domination of Filipino opposition in the AFC Cup has continued with Macarthur FC’s 8-2 thrashing of Cebu.
A night after Central Coast Mariners’ 9-1 demolition of another Filipino outfit, Stallion Laguna, the Bulls flexed similar muscle at Campbelltown Stadium.
The easy win also completed a memorable week for A-League teams in Asian competitions, with Melbourne City having beaten Chinese side Zhejiang 2-1 in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday night in Hangzhou.
However, Macarthur’s win came at a cost, with key midfielder Danny De Silva suffering a hamstring injury.
Bulls coach Mile Sterjovski was also unhappy with his side conceding two late goals after taking an 8-0 lead.
“It’s very disappointing,” Sterjovski said.
“In the first half we were very dominant. We were very focused and determined, but we lost our way in the second half.
“It’s just something that we’re going to have to review at training and continue to work on.
“We’re a team in progress. We’re not a finished product by any means.”
French striker Valere Germain netted a brace for the winners, with captain Ulises Davila, Keanu Baccus. Jed Drew, Raphael Borges Rodrigues and Jake Hollman also finding the back of the net.
The Bulls were also aided by an own goal from Cebu’s Baris Palacios Tasci.
Macarthur tops the Group F table – with six points from two games – on goal difference from Cambodian club Phnom Penh Crown.
The unbeaten teams meet in Phnom Penh on October 26, five days after Macarthur’s opening game of the A-League season against Brisbane Roar at Campbelltown.