Manila, Philippines — On just three days’ rest, Kaya FC-Iloilo scored a decisive 3-1 victory over Manila Digger FC to solidify their position atop the Philippines Football League standings.
Jarvey Gayoso opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a clinical finish after receiving a perfectly-weighted pass from Kaishu Yamazaki. However, Manila Digger answered swiftly—equalizing through Salifu Jatta’s header in the 26th minute.
In response, Coach Yu Hoshide switched things up at halftime, injecting fresh legs into the match with Marco Casambre, Shuto Komaki, and Marwin Angeles. The tactical shift paid dividends as Kaya seized control of the match in the second half.
Robert Lopez Mendy restored Iloilo’s lead in the 67th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the box following a dangerous cross from Shuto Komaki. The Japanese winger then created a chance of his own, putting the game to bed with a well-placed strike from the edge of the box in the 79th minute.
On the other end, Walid Birrou stood firm under pressure—making several crucial saves to deny Digger their comeback. His heroics between the sticks earned him a well-deserved Man of the Match nod.
The top of the PFL table remains tightly contested, with only four points separating the top four contenders. Every point matters, and Kaya FC-Iloilo will look to maintain their momentum in their upcoming clash against Mendiola FC 1991.
Starting Lineup:
LF: Gayoso, ST: Lopez Mendy, RF: Melliza
CM: Yamazaki, CDM: Park, CM: Esso
LB: Arboleda, CB: Menzi©, CB: Saito, RB: Diano
GK: Birrou
Subs: Balobo, Bata, Bedic, Angeles, Lee, Komaki, Rota, Basindanan, Konate, Romero, Rey
Coach Yu Hoshide used all five of his available substitutions:
- At halftime, Marco Casambre, Shuto Komaki, and Marwin Angeles relieved Fitch Arboleda, Jarvey Gayoso, and Yiyoung Park, respectively.
- Jovin Bedic and Sherwin Basindanan checked into the game for Eric Esso and Jhan Melliza in the 80th minute.
