MANILA – Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo returned to their winning ways in the 2022 Philippines Football League via a 1-0 beating of Azkals Developmental Team on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Robert Lopez Mendy served as the difference maker for the Iloilo City-based football club. His first half connection was more than enough for his squad to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to the United City Football Club two weeks ago.
Currently, the former Copa Paulino Alcantara champions are back as No.1 in the standings with 18 points after registering its sixth victory of the League as against a lone defeat.
Kaya-Iloilo head coach Yu Hoshide admitted that their loss to United City was a bitter pill to swallow but is delighted with how his team responded with a close with against the Azkals.
“It was a really heart-breaking game because tactically, we were able to do what we wanted — we just didn’t get the result,” Hoshide said. “However, we’ve already gotten over that game in a good way.”
“Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose; but the important thing is that we keep fighting for the club with pride. The results will come, that’s what I believe,” the Japanese mentor added.
On the part of Azkals Developmental Team, the close loss against the Kaya-Iloilo was a dampener for their campaign as they remained at fifth spot with seven points, on two wins, one draw and three losses.
“The ADT players are really growing up both as a team and individually, game by game compared to when the season started so we really prepared hard for this match,” Hoshide said.
“Actually, we want to continue what we were able to do: maintain possession in the middle third. We still need to improve our execution in the attacking third, and do better to avoid getting hit on the counterattack,” he added.
The Ilonggos are set to return to action this October 9 against no.2 ranked Dynamic Herb-Cebu in a battle of Visayas-based squads, while Azkals Developmental League looks to bounce back against Maharlika Manila FC on October 16./PN
