Kaya FC-Iloilo defeated Eastern FC 2-1, marking the first win for a Philippine club in the AFC Champions League Two. Robert Lopez Mendy scored the winning penalty in the 86th minute after Daizo Horikoshi’s early penalty and Marcos Gondra’s equalizer. Kaya FC remains at the bottom of Group C, while Dynamic Herb Cebu FC lost 9-2 to Muangthong United in Group H.
Kaya FC-Iloilo achieved a significant milestone by defeating Eastern FC 2-1 on Thursday. This victory marks the first-ever win for a Philippine club in the AFC Champions League Two. The match, held at Mong Kok Stadium in Hong Kong, witnessed Robert Lopez Mendy scoring the decisive goal via a penalty in the 86th minute. Earlier, Daizo Horikoshi had put Kaya ahead in the 32nd minute also from the penalty spot, before Marcos Gondra equalized for Eastern FC in the 70th minute.
With this victory, Kaya FC earned its first points in Group C, where it currently sits at the bottom with three points, tied with Eastern FC, which occupies the third position on account of a superior goal difference. This win was particularly sweet for Kaya FC as it avenged a previous 2-1 loss to Eastern FC back on November 7 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Although the club’s path to advancement remains challenging, the victory keeps their hopes alive. Currently, Sanfreece Hiroshima leads Group C with 12 points, followed by Sydney FC with six points.
In another Philippine league match, Dynamic Herb Cebu FC suffered a heavy loss against Muangthong United, finishing 9-2. This defeat leaves Cebu FC at the bottom of Group H with only one point, failing to replicate their earlier draw against the Thai side earlier this month.
Kaya FC-Iloilo’s victory is historic as it is the first time a Philippine club has won in the newly structured AFC Champions League Two format. This format, introduced this season, divides the championship into two tiers: the Elite and the Two. The match against Eastern FC not only reflects Kaya’s competitive spirit, following their previous defeat, but also highlights the growing presence of Philippine clubs in international tournaments. The performance of both Kaya FC and Dynamic Herb Cebu FC is significant for the development of football in the Philippines, as it reflects their ongoing efforts to compete at higher levels.
Kaya FC-Iloilo’s triumph over Eastern FC is a landmark achievement in Philippine football history, marking the nation’s first win in the AFC Champions League Two format. This victory not only avenges a previous loss but also keeps the club’s aspirations for progressing in the tournament alive. Meanwhile, the struggles of Dynamic Herb Cebu FC serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by Philippine clubs in international competitions. Overall, the outcomes of these matches are pivotal in shaping the future of football in the Philippines.
Original Source: www.spin.ph
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