MANILA, Philippines — Ceres Negros FC of the Philippines guns for a berth in the second stage of the qualifiers for the AFC Champions League as it battles Myanmar outfit Shan United today in an away assignment at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.

The reigning Phl and Asean zone kingpin Busmen make their debut in the Champions League qualifiers at 4 p.m. (5:30 p.m. in Manila), determined to take the next step in their quest for history in the continent’s premier international club football competition.

“We’re very positive we can get a good result here in Myanmar,” said Ceres midfielder Stephan Schrock.

Ceres has retained the core of the successful group from last year, led by Schrock, Patrick Reichelt, Louie Casas, Manny Ott, Carlie de Murga, Martin Steuble, Bienvenido Maranon, Kevin Ingreso, OJ Porteria, Jeffrey Christiaens and Super Herrera, and added teeth with the acquisition of veteran Spaniard keeper Toni Doblas, Azkals mainstays Mike Ott and Sean Kane and Japanese scorer Takumi Uesato

“We’ve had a few training sessions (together with the new signings) but the core of the team is just the same so maybe just a few reminders on style and the way we want to play,” Schrock said.

A victory for the Busmen sends them into Stage 2 against A-League side Brisbane Roar in another away game set in Australia. If they get past Brisbane, the Negros-based booters advance to the playoff against Chinese club Tianjian Quanjian.