By Adrian Stewart Co
Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo are finally champions again after bagging the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara trophy with a 1-0 beating of Azkals Development Team at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Kenshiro Daniels was the difference maker for the Iloilo City-based football club as his second half conversion handed the team its first football club trophy in nearly three years.
Kaya-Iloilo last hoisted a crown in the inaugural edition of the Copa Paulino Alcantara in 2018 when it defeated Loyola Meralco Sparks FC. It has been runner-up finishes for the Ilonggos after that until now.
Ilonggo Jovin Bedic’s hunger was evident in the opening half with two near goal attempts at the ninth and 41st minutes only to be caught by the defense of Azkals keeper Mar Diano. Audie Menzi also had a chance to score on a header but sailed wide.
Kaya-Iloilo broke the scoreless draw at the 47th minute mark as Daniels sneaked one in from a tough position from a pass by Simone Rota. The lead was nearly doubled minutes later but was defended by Diano.
Azkals Development Team had multiple opportunities to tie but was thwarted by the defense. Horikoshi nearly drained Kaya-Iloilo’s second goal from a pass by Ilonggo Shirmar Felongco but his header was collected by the keeper.
Bedic was later hailed as the Golden Ball winner, while teammate Louie Casas was awarded as top goal keeper. Azkals’ Jarvey Gayoso earned the Golden Boot award for leading the league with six goals.
Stallion-Laguna Football Club, meanwhile, salvaged a bronze medal finish after escaping with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory against newcomer Dynamic Herb Cebu in the battle-for-third place game.
As both teams ended the regulation goalless, the match headed to a penalty shootout where the score was 3-all before Dynamic Herb’s Roberto Corsame Jr. missed his goal try.
Ilonggo Jo Warren Bedia put Stallion-Laguna ahead at 4-3 with his clear kick. Dynamic Herb tied the score at 4-all courtesy of Joaquin Cañas before Griffin McDaniel notched the win for Stallion-Laguna with a conversion./ASC, WDJ