KAYA FC–ILOILO SEAL TOP SPOT, FACE MENDIOLA IN COPA SEMIS
Kaya FC–Iloilo vs Mendiola FC 1991
4pm | Sunday, November 10, 2019
Aboitiz Pitch, Lipa, Batangas
Kaya FC–Iloilo could only manage a 1-1 draw with Stallion Laguna in their final group game in the Copa Paulino Alcantara on Wednesday afternoon, but it was enough to seal top spot and a slight advantage heading into Sunday’s semifinal. Jayson Panhay’s goal looked set to hand Kaya another victory, but Koichi Belgira’s free kick ensured the points were shared at the Biñan Football Stadium.
“We wanted to get the three points, but nevertheless, my players worked really hard in this game and we got one point. We’ll take that wholeheartedly,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida. “Most importantly, I was able to keep my players fresh. All of my players will be fit to play in the semifinals. Aside from topping the group and going unbeaten, we have that high level of confidence going into the semifinals.”
Jayson Panhay played a starring role once more for Kaya against Stallion, adding to a sensational return to form for a player who’s struggled to find playing time in recent years. Given the opportunity to showcase his ability in the back half of the recent league, he responded with a spree of goals and assists, earning him a prominent role in Marcaida’s squad.
“It started in the middle of the league,” said the Kaya tactician. “When I gave him a chance to start, he really performed. He was able to accept the challenge. He proved to himself that he deserved it. There was only one thing he asked for at the start of the league, and that was to let him play. In the middle of the league I gave him that chance, and he grabbed the opportunity. He’s been scoring goals and creating chances for his teammates. Plus, he gives us a threat in set pieces with his wonderful delivery.”
Panhay will look to play a key role again for Kaya in the semifinals, where Mendiola FC 1991 await. While Iloilo hold a formidable record against Sunday’s opponents, Mendiola are fresh from a recent unbeaten run in the Copa Paulino Alcantara group stage, which included a win over Green Archers United, and draws against the Philippines’ SEA Games team, and the league champions Ceres Negros.
With the prestige of AFC Cup football at stake between two in-form sides, Sunday’s semifinal at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa is destined to be explosive. All the action kicks off at 4pm, and will be streamed live over PFLTV.ph and the Philippines Football League’s Facebook page. Happening simultaneously in Biñan, will be the match between Ceres Negros and Stallion Laguna to decide the November 16 Copa Paulino Alcantara Final’s other cast member.
