Kaya-Iloilo has emerged as the champion of the Philippines Football League (PFL) in dramatic fashion. The team’s path to victory was solidified after Stallion Laguna held Dynamic Herb Cebu to a goalless draw in their final season meeting, effectively closing the door on Cebu’s title aspirations. The intense showdown took place at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Talisay City.
Stallion Laguna goalkeeper Patrick Deyto proved to be a formidable force, delivering spectacular saves to keep Cebu at bay. Papu Corsame’s missed opportunity for Cebu, in the form of a close-range shot that veered off-target, also played a crucial role in sealing Kaya-Iloilo’s triumph.
In a last-minute effort, Cebu managed to put the ball into the net, only to have the goal disallowed due to an offside ruling. The turn of events led to a heated exchange between Cebu’s head coach Memhet Kakil and the head referee, resulting in Kakil’s ejection from the playing field.
Despite Cebu’s impressive 21-match unbeaten streak, the team fell short of the title by just one point, with a total of 51 points. Kaya-Iloilo, on the other hand, sits at 52 points and has yet to play its final match against Stallion Laguna at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
The outcome of Cebu’s match could have influenced the championship race, as a Cebu victory would have put pressure on Kaya-Iloilo to secure at least a draw or a win against Stallion Laguna to claim the title.
Following the conclusion of the season, Stallion Laguna has garnered 32 points from 20 matches, marking a respectable campaign in the PFL.
Kaya-Iloilo’s victory signifies a significant milestone for the club, as it becomes the second team to clinch the PFL title, succeeding the Ceres-Negros/United Clark franchise’s four-season reign. The club’s rich history in the sport, dating back to the United Football League era, has paved the way for an impressive fourth top-division title.
The team’s achievement serves as a testament to their unwavering determination and skill, solidifying their position as a formidable force in Philippine football.
Source: Philippine News Agency (PNA)
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