KAYA FC-Iloilo lost its Asian Football Confederation Champions League opening match against Chinese club Shandong Taishan FC in Group G on Sept. 19, 2023 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Despite missing the service of Belgian star Marouane Fellaini, Shandong got a huge boost from its Brazilian players, who scored all of the team’s three goals.
Following a scoreless first half, Shandong got a huge break in the match after being awarded with a penalty with a foul by Riki Sendea on Moises Magalhães inside the box. Magalhães took the penalty shot and converted it in the 63rd minute.
Kaya FC made a crucial mistake moments later after a weak back pass by Fitch Arboleda was stolen by Matheus Pato. Pato beat Kaya FC goalkeeper Quincy Kameraad for Shangdong’s second goal in the 71st minute.
Substitute Jarvey Gayoso kept Kaya FC alive after scoring a goal in the 79th minute. He beat Shandong goalkeeper Hong Rongze from a through pass by Sendra.
However, Shandong scored a third goal in the fifth minute of added time, compliments of Crysan. He easily beat two Kaya FC defenders and calmly put the ball in the goal.
On the other hand, South Korea’s Incheon FC defeated J1 League champions Yokohama F. Marinos, 4-2, in the other Group G match.
Incheon and Shandong are at the top of the table with three points each, while Yokohama and Kaya FC are at the bottom with no points.
Kaya FC is facing Incheon next on Oct. 3 at the Sungui Arena Park in South Korea.
Kaya FC earned a spot in the AFC Champions League after finishing at the top of this year’s Philippines Football League (PFL). / EKA