Defending Copa Paulino Alcantara champions Kaya FC-Iloilo began their cup title defense with a narrow 1-0 win over Maharlika Manila to open the proceedings last night at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Daizo Horikoshi’s 46th minute strike sealed Kaya’s victory to open their campaign.
Kaya, which faced Australian side Sydney FC in the AFC Champions League preliminary round last week, maximized their opening match by claiming their three points of the competition.
However it was Kaya that was left reeling at the end of the first half as it ended at 0-0 with both teams unable to break the deadlock. Chances were aplenty on the frontline of Horikoshi and the returning Robert Lopez Mendy, but Maharlika’s defense prevailed frustrating the champions.
Second half chances from newcomer Sandro Reyes, Audie Menzi, and Jovin Bedic were in vain as Kaya pressed on for the second goal, but Maharlika Manila held their line through defensive efforts of new signing Ousman Jung and goalkeeper Henri Bandeken Fong. Ultimately, Kaya
Maharlika Manila returns to action next week, 21 March 2022 against Mendiola FC 1991 while Kaya battles United City FC on 28 March 2022.