By David Tristan Yumol, CNN Philippines
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 7) – Kaya FC-Iloilo started strong in its bid to reclaim the Copa Paulino Alcantara with a 2-0 win over the Azkals Development Team (ADT) in the opening game of the tournament on Sunday at the Philippine Football Federation Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Both squads went on a tactical battle in the first half as ADT, coming off its stint in the 2022 AFC Asian U-23 Cup qualifiers last month in Singapore, exerted more defensive pressure that left Kaya with a few chances to complete successful offensive attacks.
In the second half, the Iloilo-based football club became more aggressive in creating offensive set plays that exposed the defensive lapses by the young ADT side.
Japanese winger Daizo Horikoshi delivered the wide-open first goal of the tournament in the 54th minute after the ADT defense was left scrambling following a cross by defender Audie Menzi.
"It is also my first goal with Kaya. Super, super happy," said Horikoshi in the post-match interview.
Veteran national team member Simone Rota benefited from another confused ADT backline by scoring the second goal in the 70th minute, off a short pass assist by Menzi near the box from a prior free kick by team captain Jovin Bedic.
ADT failed to complete its set plays in the succeeding minutes as Kaya trusted its defensive stops to score the first three points of this year's Copa Paulino Alcantara.
"In the first half, we expected ADT will press high. We didn't have any official games for so long, especially ADT was really fresh," said Kaya mentor Yu Hoshide. "In the second half, we fixed all so we're able to win."
Kaya looks to gain the top seed in the semifinals and complete a sweep of Group B on Nov. 10 as they face Mendiola FC 1991 in the first game at 4:00 p.m.
The main fixture, slated at 7:30 p.m., will pit the only Group A clubs Stallion Laguna and the debuting Dynamic Herb Cebu.
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