Kaya-Iloilo aims for a third successive appearance in the Copa Paulino Alcantara Final against upset-minded Dynamic Herb Cebu in their semifinal match on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Heavy favorites to win the second semifinal match of the competition at 8:15 p.m., Kaya is out to showcase the quality shown in sweeping Group B against a Cebu side that put up a commendable effort despite a 1-0 defeat to Stallion-Laguna.
The winner of the all-Visayas affair faces either Stallion or the Azkals Development Team for the title three days later while the loser will try to settle for third place in a consolation match.
Kaya has the reached the Copa Final in all of the two previous editions, defeating the Davao Aguilas in 2018 before falling short against Ceres-Negros the following year.
Coach Yu Hoshide showed its class in the group stage with a 2-0 win over ADT followed by a 6-0 defeat of Mendiola FC 1991.
Captain Jovin Bedic and Japanese winger Daizo Horikoshi were among Kaya’s best players in the competition with two goals apiece.
Kenshiro Daniels, Japanese midfielder Ryo Fujii, and defenders Audie Menzi and Carlyle Mitchell also put up solid performances which they aim to sustain for this year’s AFC Champions League participants.
Cebu set a fast and physical tempo against Stallion but not even its advantage in possession couldn’t prevent the club from losing 1-0 in its first taste of top-flight action.
CFC is banking on veteran Spanish defender Joaco Canas, ex-Kaya player Roberto Corsame, and ex-Far Eastern University standout John Saldivar in its quest for a famous victory.
Former University of the Philippines players Daniel Gadia, Kintaro Miyagi, and goalkeeper Ace Villanueva are also keen on making an impact.