Defending champion Kaya-Iloilo aims for a repeat while United City FC eyes a dream finish as the two clubs square off on Sunday, May 22 in the Copa Paulino Alcantara Final.
The highly-anticipated match kicks off at 8:30 p.m. at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite with the winner taking home the trophy in the first offing of the country’s domestic season.
Seeking to extend its reign is Kaya, which will try to claim a record-extending third title in the cup competition.
Kaya won the inaugural final in 2018 following a win over Davao Aguilas in extra time before adding a second last November 2021 at the expense of the Azkals Development Team.
United City, which had a rollercoaster campaign, looks to complete a triumphant return to the domestic scene with a cup trophy after skipping last year’s Copa.
UCFC is no stranger to success, winning the 2020 Philippines Football League crown, but the Iloilo outfit will come in as favorites after topping the elimination round with an unbeaten run followed by a 1-0 win over Stallion-Laguna in the semifinal.
Kaya has never lost in its last 16 domestic matches dating back to the 2020 PFL season, but they are bracing for a tough challenge from United City, which started the cup stint on top of the table before fading down the stretch with three straight draws.
United City, which sandwiched the Copa with a two-week stint in the AFC Champions League, placed third going into the semis before defeating Dynamic Herb Cebu, 1-0, on Simen Lyngbo’s goal.
UCFC will bank on captain Mike Ott, Amirbek Juraboev, JJ Robertson, Ricki Sendra and former Kaya mainstay Kenshiro Daniels.
Kaya’s danger man will be Daizo Horikoshi, who is on pace to win the Golden Boot award after scoring six throughout the competition.
One of his goals came during their lone elimination round clash last March 28 when Horikoshi’s strike helped Kaya salvage a 1-1 tie against United City.
Jovin Bedic, Jarvey Gayoso, Arnel Amita, Carlyle Mitchell and Zach Banzon are also expected to step up big for Kaya in the final.