Red-hot Kaya FC-Iloilo reclaimed its slim lead in the Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways after edging the Azkals Development Team, 3-2, last Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
A Jarvey Gayoso goal and a brace from top scorer Daizo Horikoshi, who now has 13 goals to his name, cemented Kaya’s return at the top of the standings at 45 points, holding a two-point advantage over second placed Dynamic Herb Cebu ahead of their crunch tie next week.
“We didn’t expect the slow start today but at the end of the day, we won,” said Kaya head coach Yu Hoshide “Hopefully, next game starting kick-off, we will switch on,”
Gayoso opened the proceedings in the 18th minute. A flick from Horikoshi found the forward dribble his way to the box before firing a left footed shot past goalkeeper Dimitrios Makapagal.
With Philippines Under-22 head coach Rob Gier in attendance, ADT answered back with an equalizer in the 22nd minute. Andres Aldeguer was on the end of the sequence which involved Pocholo Bugas and Dennis Chung in the left hand side.
Horikoshi, however was given a gift for Kaya to take the lead in the early proceedings in the second half. An errant touch from Yrick Gallantes was intercepted by Jhan Melliza, who squared it back to Horikoshi for the finish.
“This game was tough, especially in the first half because we were not good,” said Horikoshi, who earned man of the match honors. “We had a good conversation at the half and coach said we have to give 100% to get the three points.”
The Japanese forward added a second eight minutes later. Milad Behgandom provided the weighted ball to an on-rushing Horikoshi, who managed to beat the offside trap and slotted it past Makapagal.
Bugas, would eventually get on the scoresheet in the 69th minute. Chung provided the ball for the midfielder, who shifted past Mar Diano before sending the ball past Banzon.
Cyrelle Saut almost fired ADT back in the death in the fourth minute of added time, but his shot was denied by a block from Simone Rota.