MANILA – Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo opened its 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara campaign with a 2-0 triumph over Azkals Developmental Team at the Philippine Football Federation National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Daizo Horikoshi and Simone Rota converted a goal each in the second half to surge the title-favorites Kaya-Iloilo to the top spot in Group B standings with three points on a 1-0 slate.
Kaya-Iloilo and Azkals Developmental Team had their opportunities to score in the opening half on Sunday night but none of them capitalized for a scoreless draw for both squads at the half.
Kaya-Iloilo banked on their experience in the second half. They finally broke the 0-0 deadlock with a close-range conversion from Horikoshi at the 54th minute following a cross from the left flank.
The Azkals Developmental Team aimed for the equalizer. They dominated possession but Kaya-Iloilo players’ streetwise conduct helped them ride through the wave of pressure.
The Iloilo City-based football club was able to double their lead at the 70th minute mark. Rota put the ball at the back of the net after the Azkals defenders failed to clear their lines.
Kaya-Iloilo star Jovin Bedic said the players drew inspiration and learnings from their 2021 AFC Champions League campaign in Thailand as they hope to reclaim the Copa title they last won in 2018.
“The boys are ready for this season. We will apply here ‘yung mga natutunan namin as a team sa Champions League,” the Barotac Nuevo-native Bedic said at the Gametime: A Sports Podcast.
“We are really determined to win this championship. Yun talaga ang goal namin dito sa Copa and also as a way of thanking the management for their continuous support amid the pandemic,” he added.
Kaya-Iloilo will go for a sweep of their group matches. It faces Mendiola 1991 FC on Wednesday afternoon, while Azkals Developmental Team returns to the pitch against Mendiola on Saturday./PN
