Yokohama, Japan — Kaya FC-Iloilo put up a valiant effort against the reigning Japanese champions Yokohama F. Marinos, but the hosts come away with maximum points following the 3-0 result on their home pitch.
The quality of Iloilo’s defensive discipline and rigidity caught their opponents off guard, proving effective for large stretches of the match. The players were moving on a string off the ball, frustrating the group favorites while picking their spots on the counter. Despite the difference in possession statistics, Kaya were no strangers to the Marinos’ goal and created several decent chances to take the lead.
Daizo Horikoshi nearly found the opener with an attempt from an incredibly tight-angle; the winger’s missile blurring past the keeper’s shoulder only to be saved by the near post. Likewise, Jarvey Gayoso cut to his prolific left foot and buried his shot from outside the box in the top netting—only it was on the wrong side of the crossbar. Ricki Sendra and Jhan Melliza also recorded shots on goal, the early game flowing in Iloilo’s direction.
That momentum took a hit when the hosts snagged the opener in the 38th minute. Originally called offside, a lengthy VAR check overturned the decision on the header from Yokohama’s Mizunuma. (1-0)
Showcasing intricate play befitting the peak of the Japanese league, the Tricolor doubled their lead in the 72nd on a well-worked ball to Sugimoto for another header in the box. (2-0)
Brazillian forward Lopes was a last-minute addition to the scoresheet, finding the back of the net with a third and final header in the 95th. (3-0)
With a final scoreline that doesn’t do justice to their overall performance, Iloilo can leave this match with their heads high—not just for a strong display of the Filipino fighting spirit; but for their execution of the gameplan and its effectiveness on this stage where the margin for error is impossibly small.
Regardless, the Philippine champs showed that their spin on counter-attacking football can hold its own, even against Asia’s absolute finest.
Kaya are steadily finding their Champions League form with each passing game, and will be looking for some payback when the Marinos visit Manila for a rematch in under two weeks.
Starting Lineup:
ST: Gayoso
LM: Daizo, CM: Sendra, CM: Baas, RM: Angeles
LWB: Melliza, CB: Rota, CB: Menzi, CB: Diano, RWB: Arboleda©
GK: Kammeraad
Subs: Bandeken, Tacusalme, Swainston, Bedic, Giganto, Amita, Casambre, Lopez Mendy, Dizon
Coach Colum Curtis made four personnel changes in in this match:
- Mark Swainston checked into the game for Marwin Angeles at the half.
- Arnel Amita and Marco Casambre came in for Ricki Sendra and Jhan Melliza in the 67th minute.
- Robert Lopez Mendy checked in for Jarvey Gayoso in the 78th.
- Curt Dizon replaced Daizo Horikoshi in the 87th
