Kaya FC–Iloilo Clinches Copa Paulino Alcantara, Books 2019 AFC Cup Spot
Kaya FC–Iloilo 1-0 Davao Aguilas (AET)
Rizal Memorial Stadium
October 27, 2018; Manila — Kaya FC–Iloilo were crowned the first ever Copa Paulino Alcantara champions on Saturday evening, after downing Davao Aguilas 1-0 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Iloilo-born Jovin Bedic scored the game’s only goal deep in extra-time, securing the cup title and with it, qualification into 2019’s AFC Cup.
“What a final. I think this is the type of final that football fans should not miss. Since Day One we said that we wanted to go AFC [Cup]. But for us to get that, we needed to overcome challenges. We have players who’ve been injured for a long time and really showed up today,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida.
Heading into the final, most of the talk surrounded Davao’s dominance in their last two matches, where they managed a combined scoreline of 10-1. Having emerged atop a difficult group and looking menacing going forward, the Aguilas were tipped to continue their impressive form against a Kaya side that won its last two games by a one-goal margin.
But from the first whistle, until the celebrations started, Iloilo always looked the more in control of the two teams. Full backs Shirmar Felongco and Jalsor Soriano limited the number of crosses for Davao, and of those that got through, Masanari Omura and Camelo Tacusalme headed away. In midfield, Miguel Tanton and Alfred Osei bossed the center of the pitch, and regularly had support from Connor Tacagni and Marwin Angeles on either flank.
Although the match’s only goal came in the 118th minute, deep in extra time, Kaya had come close to scoring on several occasions. Jalsor Soriano had an audacious 40-yard attempt bounce off the crossbar. Miguel Tanton smashed a free kick into the upright. The goal frame also denied Robert Lopez Mendy a beautifully set up headed attempt. But just as it seemed that Davao, stretched and exhausted after the dismissal of Wesley Dos Santos, were set to survive the late onslaught and head into penalties, Bedic snatched a well deserved goal.
Audie Menzi played an aggressive ball on the right flank for Robert to run onto. Shoulder to shoulder with his marker, Lopez Mendy managed to win the battle for the ball and keep his footing right at the end line to deliver a low cross for Jovin Bedic, who had gotten in front of two Davao players.
There couldn’t have been a more fitting end. Jovin Bedic, Iloilo’s very own, tapping in the winner to clinch the first ever Copa Paulino Alcantara, a competition named after a legendary footballer from Iloilo.
“Best feeling palagi na maka score ka pero yung isang to, special siya kasi finals to,” said Jovin Bedic after the match. “Napakasaya. Since day one grabe yung trabaho ng lahat. Gustong gusto maglaro ng bawat isa kahit yung mga wala sa lineup, gusto nilang makapasok sa 18. I also would like to acknowledge yung Davao, binigay nila yung 100% nila.
(It’s always the best feeling to score, but this one is special because it’s in the finals. I’m so happy. Since day one the work everyone has put in has been tremendous. Everyone is desperate to play, even those not in the lineup, they’re fighting to get in the 18 (match day squad). I also would like to acknowledge Davao, they gave their 100%).
“It really has been a great 2018 for us. I think we deserve a celebration tonight. We maximize the two-month off season then we work again and prepare for the AFC Cup,” said Marcaida.
