The resumption of the Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways season 2022/23 delivered its much deserved fireworks as Dynamic Herb Cebu dealt Kaya FC-Iloilo with a narrow 3-2 win last Sunday at the Iloilo Sports Complex here in Iloilo.
Daniel Gadia, the debuting Leaford Allen, and Jacob Liao all found the back of the net for Cebu, which handed Kaya’s first loss on home soil since 2018.
Gadia broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. An inviting corner from Mert Altinoz on the right flank found the midfielder free in the box for the goal.
League top scorer Daizo Horikoshi levelled things nine minutes later from the free kick.
Tensions flared right before half-time as both Gadia and Kaya defender Simone Rota were given a direct red card following an already after a foul by the Cebu midfielder.
However the debuting Allen would have the last laugh heading to the half. An errant back pass by Arnel Amita went to the path of the forward, who finished off with ease to put the Gentle Giants up at the half.
Kaya went on the offensive in the opening parts of the second half, but Cebu managed to nick another goal in the 55th minute. JB Borlongan sent in a free kick to the box, which found Liao, who headed it past Kenry Balobo.
Needing a goal to put Kaya back in the fight, Horikoshi added his second goal five minutes later after a solo effort in the box.
Chances came for Kaya as they sought for an equalizer, but chances from Jarvey Gayoso, Mar Diano, and Audie Menzi were off target, gifting the Cebu a much needed victory for its Turkish delegation.