Manila, Philippines — With a scoreline of 4-2 on aggregate, Kaya FC-Iloilo advance to their fifth straight Copa Paulino Alcantara Finals following consecutive 2-1 victories over Stallion Laguna FC.
As a Daizo Horikoshi cross popped up into the air, Ricki Sendra crashed the right side of the box, took a touch, and sent it bouncing past the keeper towards the opposite post. The Stallion backline tried to clear the effort, but the ball fully crossed the goal line before they reached it and the midfielder was awarded the 18th minute opener. (0-1)
Laguna retaliated soon after thanks to substitute Zachary Ford. The forward worked his way down Iloilo’s right flank before cutting inside the box, squeezing in the equalizer at the near post. (1-1)
Kaya would retake the lead early in the second half following a quick throw-in in Stallion’s final third. Jhan Melliza found Daizo inside the penalty area, where he received the ball with his chest and centered the ball on the turn. The effort found defender Abe Placito, who’s clearance ended up in the back of the net for a Stallion own goal. (1-2)
The boys in black would continue to test Hayeson Pepito’s goal, maintaining majority possession and recording twelve shots by full time. Quincy Kammeraad faced eight himself, but he and his backline buckled down to ensure those dangerous chances found no further joy.
It was the team’s poised and patient performance today that successfully protected the lead on aggregate. With that, Kaya FC have now made every cup final since the competition’s founding in 2018—which is where they await the winner of Davao Aguilas—UMAK and Dynamic Herb Cebu FC.
Starting Lineup:
LF: Horikoshi, ST: Amita, RF: Gayoso
LWB: Melliza, CM: Baas, CM: Sendra, RWB: Diano
CB: Casambre, CB: Menzi©, CB: Saito
GK: Kammeraad
Subs: Balobo, Bandeken, Tacusalme, Swainston, Bedic, Angeles, Amita, Lopez Mendy, Dizon, Arboleda, Rota, Romero
Coach Colum Curtis used four substitutions on the afternoon:
- Fitch Arboleda checked in for Mar Diano at the halftime break.
- Arnel Amita relieved Abou Sy in the 69th minute.
- Robert Lopez Mendy entered the pitch for Jarvey Gayoso in the 82nd.
- Lastly, Marwin Angeles came in for Ricki Sendra in the 88th.
Jarvey Gayoso was the lone Kaya player to enter the referee’s book, receiving a yellow card in the 77th minute.
