Kaya FC–Iloilo Raring to Go in AFC Cup Return After two years away from the Asian stage, Kaya FC–Iloilo return against Laotian champions Lao Toyota.

Lao Toyota FC vs Kaya FC–Iloilo
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
7:30PM Philippine Time
Laos National Stadium

26 February, 2019; Vientiane, Laos — After a two-year absence from the AFC Cup, Kaya FC–Iloilo are set to make their awaited return against Laotaian champions, Lao Toyota, on Wednesday night (February 27). The match will take place at the Laos National Stadium, and will kickoff at 7:30pm Philippine time. The game will be aired live and free in the Philippines on 5Plus, and on ESPN5’s online streaming platforms.

Kaya FC–Iloilo is in Group H with last year’s ASEAN champions, the rulers of Laos, and the Indonesian league runners-up.

“We are grouped with PSM Makassar, Home United and Lao Toyota. For me, I think we’ll be having a big challenge moving forward. But coming from the history that we have — Kaya FC played in the AFC Cup in 2016 and made the Round of 16 — we’ve come here to perform to a different level. I want my players to have a great performance on a big stage like the AFC Cup,” said Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida.

But without a competitive match since the end of October, Kaya have their hands full against a team that has dominated Laotian football in recent times. Since their inception in 2013, Lao Toyota have won the domestic league title three times, including the last two seasons. The Laotians are also experienced on the Asian stage, having participated in two previous AFC Cup campaigns.

“I think for both sides it’s very important to get a good result in the first game. This game will dictate how far we can go in this tournament, so it’s important for us to get three points,” said Marcaida. “This is their third AFC Cup campaign, and they’ve been the champions of the Lao league, but we come here ready. We’re prepared for what’s necessary for tomorrow’s game. We will see on the pitch tomorrow how it plays out. We have plans, they have plans. If those plans work in our favor, we’ll have a positive result.”

Lao Toyota’s second-year Japanese coach believes their extensive preparation and experience will be their edge in tomorrow’s awaited contest.

“We’ve had three months preparation for this competition. We also have some new players who can improve our tactics and team spirit. I’m happy with the additions,” said head coach Jun Fukuda. “This is the first game for both teams and this is a very important game for both. We have four experienced players who have already played in AFC Cup before. The first game is tough for everyone, but we’ve prepared a long time, and we’ll use our experience to win this first game.”

For Iloilo captain Jovin Bedic, who was part of Kaya’s 2016 AFC Cup run, the club’s edge goes beyond skill and experience.

“We have quick wingers and quality strikers, but most important is our brotherhood in the team. We’re like family. That’s our strength.”