Kaya FC-Iloilo secured their second consecutive Philippine Football League title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Davao Aguilas UMak FC at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
This pivotal match saw Kaya cement their place at the top of the league, while Davao’s title hopes were dashed in a tense encounter in their first meeting since the Copa Paulino Alcantara 2023 Final last year.
Entering the match, Kaya FC-Iloilo was determined to clinch the title with a game to spare. Top scorer Jarvey Gayoso, playing his final match for the club, was the star of the show. The forward, who leads the way with 22 goals to his name, had already announced his departure before the match, adding emotional weight to his performance.
Davao Aguilas UMak FC needed a win to keep their title aspirations alive, and looked to their star player, Daisuke Sato, who hinted at his own departure after the season.
The match began with high intensity. Gayoso found Eric Esso, whose shot narrowly missed the target in the eighth minute. Kaya finally broke through in the 18th minute when Gayoso went down inside the box, and went on to convert his 23rd goal of the season from the penalty spot.
Coach Aber Ruzgal’s side struggled to find their rhythm in the first half with their best chance coming in the 35th minute when Ibrahima Ndour’s shot failed to find the back of the net.
Davao’s best opportunity came in the final 15 minutes of the match. The debuting Mun Te-Su saw his rifled effort just denied by the cross bar in the 77th minute.
In a dramatic turn, Davao was awarded a penalty in the 81st minute after Uriel Dalapo was strucked down by Mar Vincent Diano. Ndour stepped up to take the penalty but Walid Birrou Essafi went to his right, to make a championship winning penalty save.
Birrou was once again called up towards the 90th minute, having a touch on Daisuke Sato’s shot, which ultimately sealed Kaya’s fate as back-to-back champions