Pohang Steel Yard — Kaya FC-Iloilo put on a spirited defensive display on enemy ground, but ultimately fell 2–0 to Pohang Steelers in their first away clash of the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two Group Stage.
From the opening whistle, Kaya were made to weather wave after wave of pressure from the hosts, but goalkeeper Alfredo Cortez rose to the occasion. The Mexican-American shot-stopper produced a string of excellent stops—including a low save just three minutes into the contest, and another sharp denial to his right in the 34th minute. Despite the Steelers controlling possession, Kaya were able to find moments of promise in build-up and on the break, capped off by an ambitious strike from Jhan Melliza before halftime.
The second half saw Kaya steadily grow into the contest. Magnus Ravn very nearly broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, pouncing on a loose corner clearance and rattling the post with a low driven strike that caught the Steelers off-guard.
Cortez came up huge once again just two minutes later, diving full stretch to deny a Pohang header. His heroics continued in the 72nd minute, coming off his line to challenge a volley, managing to catch just enough of the shot with his legs to deflect it away from goal. At the other end, Mike Ott nearly produced a moment of magic, shaking off his marker and curling in a strike that forced the Steelers’ keeper into a sharp save, briefly silencing the home crowd.
However, it was Pohang who finally broke through in the 82nd minute—a deflected effort slipping past Freddy for an unfortunate own goal. Deep into stoppage time, the hosts doubled their advantage—a close-range header finding the net despite the Kaya keeper getting a hand to it.
Though the result went against them, Kaya displayed heart, defensive resilience, and flashes of attacking threat against one of the competition’s toughest sides. The squad will now regroup and turn their focus to the next test in their AFC Champions League Two campaign, a home clash against Thai side BG Pathum United on October 14.
Starting Lineup: 4-3-3
LF: Daniels ST: Ott RF: Melliza©
CM: Zambrano CDM: Esso CM: Muens
LB: Ravn CB: Yamazaki CB: Casambre RB: Menzi
GK: Cortez
Subs: Bata, Bedic, Diano, Arboleda, Rota, Bugas, Rey
Coach Yu Hoshide made just three substitutions in this match:
- Fitch Arboleda checked in for Jhan Melliza in the 68th minute.
- Simone Rota replaced Brandon Zambrano in the 74th minute.
- Lastly, Paolo Bugas came on for Kenshiro Daniels in the 85th minute.
Fitch Arboleda received a yellow card in the 71st minute following a late tackle.
