Davao Aguilas – UMak FC and Kaya FC – Iloilo battled to a thrilling 1-1 draw in their Philippines Football League 2024-2025 season match at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium Sunday night.
In a rematch of last year’s Copa Paulino Alcantara final, both sides made crucial strikes after a scoreless draw in the first half.
Gabriel Costa Goncalves gave Davao a 1-0 lead with a 76th minute goal, his first PFL goal, after a through ball from substitute Alessandro
Riggi.
Just as Davao looked ready to go home with a win, Geri Martini Rey bundled home an equalizer in the 97th minute to salvage a point for Kaya.
As defending champions, Rey said they were determined not to start the season with a loss.
“Siguro dahil lahat ng games namin international, nahirapan kami. Nadala namin sa game namin pero binigay pa rin best namin,” he said.
Kaya lost their last four matches in international competitions going into their season opener.
“Kami ang defending champion kaya yun siguro nagbigay ng extra push para makahabol,” Rey said.