MANILA – Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo ended its campaign in the 2019 AFC Cup group stage with a 0-2 loss to Home United of Singapore at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
The defeat on Tuesday night relegated the Iloilo-based football club to third place in Group H with eight points on two wins, two draws and two losses, and took away the club’s chance to move on to the zonal semifinals.
Kaya-Iloilo did not get the start it wanted with Adam Swandi giving the Home United the 1-0 edge right on the opening minute.
The Ilonggos tried to equalize twice courtesy of Jordan Mintah but his attempts were defended well.
Home United widened the advantage at the 18th minute with Abdil Quiyyim Mutalib converting via free kick dashing further the hopes of the Noel Marcaida-mentored squad.
Kaya-Iloilo tried to cut into the deficit late in the opening half with Mintah attempting from close range and Masanari Omura got a try from a corner kick but were deflected by Home United’s keeper.
The Ilonggos’ aggressiveness in the second half did not waver with Tyler Matas and Jovin Bedic having attempts from close range. However, they could not find the target. Mintah and Darryl Roberts had a great look late in the game but was again deflected.
With the victory, the Home United climbed to second place in the standings with 10 points on three wins, one draw and two losses.
They will wait for matches from other groups to determine if they will advance to the next round./PN
