Kaya FC-Iloilo settled for a scoreless draw against Thailand’s College of Asian Scholars in their first game of the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) on Sunday, October 6, at the Pathum Thani Stadium.

Both teams had their chances, forcing fine saves from goalkeepers Inna Palacios and Yada Sengyong.

Kaya FC-Iloilo caught a break in the 34th minute when Kanyanat Chetthabutr’s attempt was denied by the crossbar. Minutes later, Dionesa Tolentin had a chance for a breakthrough, only for Sengyong to pull off a save.

Tolentin had another chance near the hour-mark but Sengyong was there to foil her anew, while Palacios was called to action as well to fend off a header by Kanchanaporn Saenkhun.

Ultimately, neither team could find the back of the net, much to the frustration of Kaya FC head coach Let Dimzon.

“It was a great start for us, but we had a lot of chances that we couldn’t capitalize on in front of the box,” said Dizmon in an interview with the AFC website. “It was frustrating as we were denied by the post as well.”

“We need to polish our attacks, especially the final pass, and work on our finishing. There’s room for improvement, and we will discuss and adjust for the next game,” she added.

Both teams have one point in Group B, with Australia’s Melbourne City leading the way with three points after a 2-1 win over Iran’s Bam Khatoon.

Kaya FC-Iloilo returns to action on October 9 against Bam Khatoon. Only the top two teams in each group are assured of spots in the quarterfinals, with the two best third-placed teams also advancing. (ABS-CBN News)