Kaya FC-Iloilo was definitely the superior squad but could only come away with a 1-0 win over newcomer Maharlika-Manila FC to cap first day of action Wednesday night in the 2020 edition of Philippines Football League at the PFF National Training Center field in Carmona, Cavite.
Veteran Jason Panhay flashed vintage form, lashing scoring from close range in the 29th minute of the compact, single-round series presented by Qatar Airways.
But that was all the AFC Cup qualifiers could muster as the league newcomers went on defensive mode virtually the rest of the way to keep themselves in the match.
Credit that to the heroics of Cameroonian goalie Henri Bandeken and the veteran back trio of David Basa, Jerry Barbaso and Anton del Rosario, who played with a heavily-bandaged left hand.
“We have to improve in the attacking third in our succeeding matches,” noted Kaya-Iloilo FC coach Yu Hoshide.
“We had some chances early but the fatigue came in so we had to go on the defensive and look for the counter,” said Maharlika-Manila FC coach Roxy Dorlas said. “This outcome is something we can definitely build on. But we have to respect Kaya, especially what they have achieved in the past.”
Dorlas also praised performance of Bandeken “who we believe is one of the best goalies in the league right now. We are fortunate to have him.”