KAYA FC–ILOILO BOOK AFC CUP RETURN, FACE CERES NEGROS IN COPA FINAL
Kaya FC–Iloilo 3-0 Mendiola FC 1991
4pm | Sunday, November 10, 2019
Aboitiz Pitch, Lipa, Batangas
Kaya FC–Iloilo made sure there was plenty to celebrate on Sunday, as they booked their place on two important stages — the Final of the Copa Paulino Alcantara, and the 2020 AFC Cup. The feat was made possible by defeating Mendiola FC 1991 in the cup semifinals, 3-0, at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa. With league champions Ceres Negros (already qualified for AFC competition) managing a dramatic win over Stallion Laguna in the other semifinal, next week’s final will be more about club pride, rather than securing a place on the Asian stage.
With Kaya holding a commanding record over Mendiola this year, the semifinal got off to a predictable start. Mendiola set out with a low block of five at the back, allowing Kaya to keep possession, while hoping to break quickly when counter attacks were available. The approach blunted Iloilo’s attack, but similarly, Mendiola could offer little going the opposite direction. The closest to an opener came right before half-time, with Jovin Bedic able to sneak in behind the backline, but unable to keep his stabbed effort from going over. The second half would prove a far different story from the cagey affair thus far.
Kenshiro Daniels came on for Connor Tacagni during the break, and within six minutes, the substitute was on hand to fire in a lovely opener. The move started with a clever interchange on the right flank, allowing Jordan Mintah to deliver a deep cross, which Jayson Panhay cushioned into the path of Daniels for the finish. Relieved to finally have the lead, Kaya pushed to solidify their advantage.
Kenshiro fired over after a lung busting run from Shirmar Felongco on the right flank. Shortly after, Mintah had a shot saved after being played through. The insurance goal came in the 72nd minute. From a Daniels corner, Masanari Omura connected and hit the upright. Fortunately, the ball bounced straight back to him, allowing him to slot the ball into the net on the second time of asking. With just under ten minutes left, substitute Darryl Roberts capped off the victory. While Mendiola were contesting a referee’s call for a foul, Alfred Osei played a quick free kick to Daniels, who raced down the right flank and cut the ball back for Roberts to drive in from just outside the area.
“First of all congratulations to Kaya and good luck to them,” said Mendiola coach Christopher Pedimonte. “We had a deep run in the Copa Paulino Alcantara. It’s a good motivation for us as a new team. We were able to hold them for 45 minutes. In the second half we lacked focus. We knew they would come out strong and it happened. We were caught off guard with the first one. It was a beautiful goal from Kaya.”
“With this result, we’re through to the final, and we can defend the Copa Paulino Alcantara. We secured our AFC Cup spot, and we’ll be playing against Ceres Negros in the final,” said an ecstatic Noel Marcaida after the match. “In the first half, we struggled with our connectivity. But in the second half, we saw a great response from my players.”
“From the first goal you could see the collective effort. It came from a good run, to a good delivery, a good layoff, and a good finish. With the influence of having Kenny and Darryl, they really made a difference,” he added.
“I just played as usual. I didn’t do anything special for today,” said Man of the Match Masanari Omura. “I don’t know how to describe my goal, but I’m just happy to score. For the team, we still have a lot of things to fix — small details for Ceres — both in attack and in defense. So perhaps the most important week is next week until the final. We have to work together as one team.”
