Rico Andes once again proved to be the difference-maker, powering Dynamic Herb Cebu to a dominant 3-0 victory over Brunei Super League side Kasuka in the second leg of their play-off round clash in the 2025–2026 Shopee Cup on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
A product of the storied Far Eastern University football program, Andes struck in the 27th and 78th minutes to secure Cebu’s 4-2 aggregate win and a coveted spot in the tournament’s group stage.
The 27-year-old forward’s brace built on his impact in the first leg last week in Brunei, where he netted the equalizer in their 2-1 defeat — a goal that proved crucial in keeping Cebu’s hopes alive.
Before Andes’ heroics, Esrom Paulos set the tone with a 21st-minute opener, igniting the home side’s surge toward an emphatic result.
With the victory, Cebu advances to Group A, where it will face a stacked field featuring Thailand’s Buriram United and BG Pathum United, Malaysia’s Selangor, Vietnam’s Cong An Hanoi, and Singapore’s Tampines Rovers.
The PFL side is set to host Tampines Rovers next Wednesday, with the venue and kickoff time to be finalized.
