Kaya-Iloilo set its title bid in motion after beating the Azkals Development Team, 2-0, to kick off the Copa Paulino Alcantara on Sunday, November 8, 2021 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Japanese winger Daizo Horikoshi and Simone Rota found the back of the net in the second half to give Kaya the full three points while closing in securing one of the two semifinal slots in Group B.
Coach Yu Hoshide was pleased with the way Kaya adjusted after a cagey first 45 minutes.
“We expected ADT to press high and maybe some of our players were confused a little bit since we didn’t have games for so long,” said Hoshide, whose team played for the first time since its maiden AFC Champions League campaign last July.
“But we were able to fix some things in the second half which is why we were able to win,” Hoshide added.
Kaya can formally secure its place in the knockout stage and enhance its chances of winning its first trophy since the inaugural Copa in 2018 with at least a draw against Mendiola FC 1991 on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.
ADT, which fell short despite having 53 percent of the possession, will be in survival mode against Mendiola on Saturday, November 13, 2021 in hopes of extending its Copa stint.
“I’m still content with the performance of the boys,” said ADT coach Jovanie Villagracia. “This was our first game playing together as a team and we will do our best to adjust in our next game against Mendiola.”
Horikoshi struck his first goal since signing with the club in February last year, tapping in the opener off Audie Menzi’s cross from the left flank as Kaya was able to break the ice in the 54th minute.
Kaya allowed ADT to hold most of the possession when play resumed but was able to double the lead in the 70th as Rota smashed in the second goal courtesy of a free kick from Horikoshi.