Kaya FC Iloilo’s Continued Progress, Loses in Close Game Kaya took a defensive stand against the Thai champions BG Pathum United, but were unable to outlast them and secure their first AFC Champions League points.

Another night ends in heartbreaking fashion for Kaya FC-Iloilo, whose defense did a number on a BG Pathum United squad that did not expect such a contest. It didn’t hold up until the end however, with the Thai champs managing to squeeze in a goal in the 83rd minute to seal the win. The effort the players gave in this match was deserving of a better result, and Coach Graham Harvey had nothing but glowing remarks for the team.

“I think our performance was excellent—we worked really hard without the ball, we were disciplined, we were organized. Unfortunately for us, just one split second too late from a second phase of a corner cost us our first points in the Champions League. We are bitterly disappointed we didn’t get the result or at least get some points on the board, but we were just unlucky is all.”

Kaya have made significant strides since the 4-1 loss in the group stage opener, a fact BG got to know firsthand, as they found the rematch a far different struggle. Coach made sure to note those improvements in his statement to the press.

“We were structured more through midfield. I think match day one, BG were able to play through us quite easily. Our midfield quite often got themselves into straight lines, whereas tonight we were a little more organized and disciplined.”

Through their time in the ACL Group Stage, the club’s improving defense has shown reslience against even the top sides in Asia. There’s still room improvement, though, and the coaches have identified an area that needs work—defending set pieces. After all, the game-winning goal came from a follow-up strike from a corner kick.

“I think it’s more about the second phase that we need to look at—the ball brought to the top of the box. We defended the first play, so that next one we need to focus on,” Harvey admitted.

The Iloilo side gave the host club a run for their money regardless, performing much better than they did last time around. Similar to the second Ulsan Hyundai FC match, Kaya’s best chances and opportunities to score came in the second half when they were directly challenging BG’s own backline. Coach Harvey later revealed just what was said to the players during the halftime break.

“At halftime, both Coach Hoshi (Yu Hoshide) and myself said to the players when we get the ball, we can be a bit braver. We can attempt to penetrate a bit quicker than we have been, but we definitely needed to keep the ball better than we did in the first half.”

“As you saw in the second half, the game opened up a little bit especially with the rain in the last 20 minutes,” he added. “I think that one breakaway chance that we had with Kenshiro (Daniels), a great opportunity to get our names in front. Then I think it could’ve been a tougher game for BG.”