Kaya-Iloilo put on a dominant performance to beat Mendiola FC 1991, 6-0, and secure the top spot in Group B of the Copa Paulino Alcantara on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Man of the Match Jovin Bedic set the tone for the one-sided affair by scoring a brace in the first half as this year’s AFC Champions League participants advanced to the semifinals by winning all of its two matches in the group stage.
Japanese midfielder Ryo Fujii struck his first goal for the club since signing last February before halftime while Kenshiro Daniels, Daizo Horikoshi and Trinidad and Tobago’s Carlyle Mitchell found the back of the net in the second half to give Kaya another full three points.
Coach Yu Hoshide’s side extended its unbeaten run in domestic competitions to seven matches dating back to the start of last year’s Philippines Football League campaign.
It was Kaya’s biggest win since defeating Air Force, 5-0, in the group stage of the same competition back in October 26, 2019.
Kaya, seeking to win its first trophy since the inaugural Copa in 2018, will face newcomer and Group A runner-up Dynamic Herb Cebu in the semis on November 16.
“The players are getting better game by game and we hope to keep our good form in the semifinals,” said Hoshide.
Mendiola takes on the Azkals Development Team on Saturday to determine the semifinalist from Group B. Either club will face Stallion-Laguna, the top team in Group A, in the other semis pairing.
Bedic capitalized on a defensive mistake by Miggy Clarino, who tried to clear Arnel Amita long ball from midfield, and slotted in the opener 11 minutes after the opening whistle with a left-footed attempt.
The Kaya captain doubled the lead in the 35th, smashing the ball in after Horikoshi was able to make a short while being defended near the goal.
Fujii made it 3-0 five minutes later when Daniel Ashley’s pass was intercepted by Fujii, who fired a low attempt to the left post from almost 20 yards.
A good buildup resulted in Horikoshi setting up a pass for Daniels, who fired a strike inside the penalty area in the 63rd.
Kaya completed the final scoreline with Horikoshi’s second Copa goal in the 83rd and Mitchell’s header from a corner kick in the second minute of stoppage time.