Manila, Philippines — The 2024 Philippines Football League (PFL) season kicked off with a thrilling showdown between former champions, as Kaya FC-Iloilo secured a two-nil victory over United City FC to begin the title defense campaign.
Kaya debutante Eric Esso wasted no time making his mark on the Philippine football stage, scoring the opener in just the third minute of the game. Robert Lopez Mendy gracefully laid the ball off for the box-crashing midfielder, who struck first time to slot it into the bottom left corner. (0-1)
With the lead established, Kaya’s new midfield trio—bolstered by fellow offseason acquisitions Yiyoung Park and Kaishu Yamazaki—continued to dictate tempo and create numerous opportunities for the forward line.
Jhan Melliza, in particular, came tantalizingly close to doubling the lead on multiple occasions. Despite being lively all game—both in and out of possession—the La Paz native initially struggled to convert his chances into goals.
However, his perseverance finally paid off in the 81st minute. In a burst of speed up the left flank, Jarvey Gayoso squared the ball across the six-yard box, finding Melliza who tapped it in—willing the ball over the line to put the match beyond United City’s reach. (0-2)
The Capas-based team attempted to rally in stoppage time, but new signing Walid Birrou came to the rescue with a pair of crucial saves, preserving the clean sheet and sealing the victory.
With a solid first victory under their belt, Kaya FC-Iloilo look ahead to next Saturday’s clash with Garelli United FC with the aim of building on their opening weekend success.
Starting Lineup: 4-3-3
LF: Gayoso, ST: Lopez Mendy, RF: Melliza
CM: Yamazaki, CDM: Park, CM: Esso
LB: Casambre, CB: Menzi©, CB: Saito, RB: Diano
GK: Birrou
Subs: Balobo, Bata, Swainston, Bedic, Angeles, Komaki, Arboleda, Konate, Romero
Coach Yu Hoshide used all five available substitutions:
- Mark Swainston relieved the opening goal-scorer Eric Esso in the 58th minute.
- Shuto Komaki made his Kaya debut, coming on with Fitch Arboleda for Robert Lopez Mendy and Marco Casambre, respectively.
- Lastly, Jovin Bedic and Marwin Angeles checked in for Jarvey Gayoso and Kaishu Yamazaki to close out the win.
