New Clark City Athletics Stadium — Kaya FC-Iloilo opened their 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two campaign with a tough 3–0 defeat to Singaporean side Tampines Rovers FC.
The first half was evenly contested, with both sides battling for control of midfield and defenses holding strong. Mike Ott made several promising runs at the Tampines backline, looking the most likely to break the deadlock for Kaya, while Freddy Cortez and his defense stayed firm to keep the visitors out at the other end.
Momentum shifted immediately after the break. Just a minute into the second half, Trent Buhagiar opened the scoring for Tampines in the 46th minute. The Stags struck again only five minutes later, punishing Kaya on the counter after a corner, as Takeshi Yoshimoto doubled the lead. Kaya attempted to rally, but Buhagiar broke through once more in the 73rd minute to extend the advantage to 3–0.
The men in black and yellow continued to push forward, searching for a way back into the match, but chances went unfinished on a night where nothing quite clicked in the final third.
Plenty of lessons will be taken from the result, with valuable reflections ahead of the next ACL Two fixture. For now, Kaya face a quick turnaround, returning to domestic action on Sunday against Valenzuela–PB Mendiola in the PFL at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Starting Lineup: 4-3-3
LF: Daniels ST: Bedic RF: Melliza©
CM: Ott CDM: Zambrano CM: Esso
LB: Menzi CB: Yamazaki CB: Casambre RB: Diano
GK: Cortez
Subs: Bata, Muens, Angeles, Arboleda, Rota, Basindanan, Del Rosario, Ravn, Bugas, Rey
Coach Yu Hoshide made utilized five substitutions in this match:
- Gavin Muens and Magnus Ravn checked in for Brandon Zambrano and Jovin Bedic in the 58th minute.
- Paolo Bugas and Martini Rey came on for Jhan Melliza and Kenshiro Daniels in the 73rd.
- Lastly, Fitch Arboleda replaced Mar Diano in the 77th.
Kaya debutante Magnus Ravn picked up a yellow card in the 92nd minute following a rough tackle.
