Defending champion Kaya-Iloilo eyes a third consecutive trip to the Copa Paulino Alcantara Final when it faces Stallion-Laguna in the semifinals set Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
Kaya is heavily-favored to take down Stallion in the first semis matchup of the cup competition which kicks off at 5 p.m. inside the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
The holders went unbeaten during the six-game elimination phase, posting five victories and one draw to secure the top of the table with 16 points.
One of Kaya’s victories came against Stallion last May 2, winning 3-2 on first-half goals from defender Carlyle Mitchell, Shirmar Felongco and Jhan-Jhan Melliza.
But Kaya was nearly held to a draw when Stallion scored twice in the second half courtesy of Abou Sy and Matthew Nierras before securing the full three points.
That is perhaps one of the things Kaya will try to address leading up to the contest as it attempts to reach the finale of the domestic season’s first offing.
Stallion barely made it to the semis after forcing a scoreless draw against United City FC at the close of the group stages last May 12.
The third placers in last year’s Copa had a difficult run as victory slipped away multiple times during the course of the campaign, but the Horsemen were able to capitalize on the four draws they produced to edge out Maharlika-Manila for the semis seat on goal difference.
The result against UCFC may provide the confidence booster Stallion needs in order to pull off a shocking upset over Kaya.