Kaya FC-Iloilo secured a historic 2-1 win against Eastern FC in the AFC Champions League Two, marking the first victory for a Philippine club in this format. Robert Lopez Mendy netted the winning penalty in the final minutes. Daizo Horikoshi also scored from the spot earlier, but Eastern FC equalized before Mendy’s decisive goal. Despite this win, Kaya FC remains at the bottom of Group C but revives hopes for advancement.
Kaya FC-Iloilo achieved a historic victory by defeating Eastern FC with a score of 2-1 on Thursday, marking the first win by a Philippine club in the AFC Champions League Two format. The match was held at Mong Kok Stadium in Hong Kong, where Robert Lopez Mendy secured the win with a penalty goal in the 86th minute. This victory is significant as it represents the Philippines’ inaugural win in the tournament following its restructuring into two tiers—Elite and Two—this season.
Kaya FC initially took the lead in the 32nd minute with another penalty converted by Daizo Horikoshi, but Eastern FC equalized through Marcos Gondra in the 70th minute. With this win, Kaya FC now has three points in Group C, although they remain at the bottom of the standings behind Eastern FC, which also has three points but boasts a superior goals scored record. This victory served as a form of retribution for Kaya FC, following their earlier loss to Eastern FC, also by a score of 2-1 during their November 7 encounter at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Despite maintaining their hopes for advancement, Sanfreece Hiroshima leads Group C with 12 points, and Sydney FC follows with six.
In another competitive match, Dynamic Herb Cebu FC faced a significant defeat against Muangthong United, losing 9-2 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Cebu FC was unable to replicate their previous 1-1 draw with the Thai side earlier this month, leaving them positioned at the bottom of Group H with only one point to their name.
The AFC Champions League, restructured into two tiers—Elite and Two—has seen increased participation from clubs across Asia, including teams from the Philippines. Kaya FC-Iloilo’s recent victory over Eastern FC is noteworthy as it highlights the growing competitiveness of Philippine football on an international level. This match also contrasts with past performances where Philippine clubs struggled to secure wins in the tournament, making this victory particularly significant for Kaya FC and the Philippines’ representation in the region.
In conclusion, Kaya FC-Iloilo’s 2-1 victory over Eastern FC not only marks a historic achievement for Philippine football in the AFC Champions League Two but also reflects the club’s resilience and competitive spirit. With this win, Kaya FC keeps its hopes alive for further advancement in the tournament, while also providing a much-needed morale boost after previous setbacks. Meanwhile, the challenges faced by Cebu FC illustrate the competitive nature of the tournament as they strive for improved performance.
Original Source: www.spin.ph
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