Manila, Philippines — For the first time since 2019, Kaya FC-Iloilo and Philippine Air Force FC went head-to-head in the Philippines’ top flight. Continuing their preparations for the upcoming AFC Champions League campaign, the boys put together a staggering 9-1 result.
It’s as if Daizo Horikoshi didn’t take his shooting boots off since the last match, the winger scoring Kaya’s first two goals of the evening. The first came in the 17th minute as he did a full slide to send Arnel Amita’s cross into the back of the net. (1-0)
The second came in the 24th, with Abou Sy picking out the speedster’s weak side run—Daizo crashing the box and completing his brace. (2-0)
Then it was Senegalese striker’s turn to get on the scoresheet in the 31st, Sy completing a textbook one-two with Amita before sending the ball into the top right corner. (3-0)
Abou would secure brace of his own little over a minute later, scoring his second in two minutes off a perfect through ball up the left side from Jhan Melliza. (4-0)
Nano Amita would get in on the action in the 41st. On a second ball following a corner, Daizo Horikoshi fired in a cross from the right to return the favor—Nano ghosting his way into the six-yard box for the finish. (5-0)
Ricki Sendra completed the first half onslaught in the 44th, connecting with Daizo once again for another header into the back of the net. (6-0)
Justin Baas was back on the bench and back in the scoresheet in the 49th. After receiving the ball centrally from Marwin Angeles with a crafty turn, he evaded a defender and placed his strike low past the keeper. (7-0)
Jarvey Gayoso joined Daizo and Abou in the brace club, the first coming in the 51st off a throw-in. Working his way in from the right, Jarvey’s strike from 25 yards out found the back of the net. (8-0)
His second came in the 76th, the King Eagle getting scrappy to finish off Jhan Melliza’s spilled effort for Kaya’s ninth. (9-0)
The Air Men snatched a goal back in the 84th, their consolation coming from Jan Delariarte’s lifted ball Quincy Kammeraad. (9-1)
Kaya FC-Iloilo now seize full control of second place in Group A, nine points in three games for the yellow & black.
Starting Lineup:
LF: Horikoshi, ST: Sy, RF: Amita
LWB: Melliza, CM: Sendra, CM: Angeles, RWB: Arboleda©
CB: Casambre, CB: Saito, CB: Rota
GK: Kammeraad
Subs: Balobo, Bandeken, Swainston, Bedic, Giganto, Diano, Baas, Lopez Mendy, Gayoso, Dizon, Romero, Menzi
Coach Colum Curtis used all seven available substitutions this evening:
- Audie Menzi entered the game in the first half, checking in for Marco Casambre in the 38th minute.
- Justin Baas, Curt Dizon, and Jarvey Gayoso checked in at the break, replacing Ricki Sendra, Arnel Amita, and Abou Sy.
- Mark Swainston and Eric Giganto came in for Marwin Angeles and Daizo Horikoshi in the 60th.
- Lastly, Jovin Bedic made his return to the pitch. Replacing Jhan Melliza, he donned the armband from the 79th minute on.
