Kaya FC–Iloilo Seals Copa Semifinal in Iloilo
JPV Marikina 0-1 Kaya FC–Iloilo
PFF Artificial Turf Pitch, Carmona
October 17, 2018; Carmona — Kaya FC–iloilo sealed home field advantage for the Copa Paulino Alcantara semifinals after Robert Lopez Mendy’s early goal sunk JPV marking on Wednesday afternoon at the PFF Articificial Turf Pitch in Carmona. The result means Kaya will host Stallion Laguna at the Iloilo Sports Complex on Sunday, October 21, with kickoff scheduled at 3pm.
“It was a hard fought battle to get the number one spot in the group, but we’re happy that the objective was met. We’ll be playing the semifinals in Iloilo on Sunday,” said a pleased Noel Marcaida after the match, although he admitted the performance wasn’t the team’s best.
“There were some circumstances that plagued the team. We’ve had players who have been away a long time — Jovin (Bedic), Marwin (Angeles), Ace (Villanueva), and Mendy. But I’m happy for some of the players who really performed. Jalsor (Soriano) played well on his return, Janrick also. Connor could’ve scored with the chances he got, but we’ll take this result positively and look forward to the semifinal game. And I’m sure the players that I mentioned will be ready for the next game.”
The match couldn’t have gotten off to a better start for Kaya. Just seven minutes into the game, Jalsor Soriano’s header played Robert Lopez Mendy in behind the Marikina defense. With only the keeper to beat, the Senegalese striker calmly slipped the ball past JPV keeper Nelson Gasic.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Iloilo, though, as Camelo Tacusalme was sent off for a second yellow in the 67 minute for a coming together with Kennedy Uzoka. The center back was booked earlier for an aerial challenge against the same opponent. With his dismissal, Tacusalme will be unavailable for Sunday’s semifinal.
“Melo and Masa (Masanari Omura) are the two cneter backs that we have. Every time they’re available we make sure they play alongside each other. It will play a big role (Melo’s absence), but I think we have players who can play in his behalf. We might see Audie (Menzi), Jalsor, or Alfred (Osei) in the middle. We have three days to prepare, and we’ll make sure it’s a player who’ll be fully capable,” said Marcaida.
“It’s been a long while not playing in Iloilo, and all the Ilonggos are expecting us to come back. We’re happy, we’re hungry and we can’t wait to play in Iloilo.”
