By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
WHILE RECOGNIZING its opponent dominated the game, Kaya FC-Iloilo said it had its opportunities to win in its Group H match against Singapore’s Tampines Rovers in the AFC Cup at the Rizal Memorial Stadium but just could not capitalize on them.
It is something Kaya is pondering upon as it turns its attention to its next game in the tournament.
The home team held tough as visiting Tampines tried to snatch a win on Philippine soil but goalkeeper Louie Casas and the rest of Kaya would stand their ground.
“We played well in the first half but football is not won in the first half. Despite Tampines dominating the game, we had our chances but we did convert them. We were just unlucky not to score a goal but we had a lot of chances,” said Kaya coach Oliver Colina as he reflected on their performance.
The Kaya coach said they will go back on the drawing board in preparation for their next match, an away fixture, against Indonesian club PSM Makassar on March 10.
“We wanted to win but just did not get it. That’s football and we prepare for our next game,” said Mr. Colina.
Adding, “We’re still on top of the table despite the result.”
After two matches to date, Kaya (1-1-0) leads its grouping with four points, followed by Tampines (1-1-0) also with four points.
Third-running is PSM Makassar (1-0-1) with three points and Shan United FC of Myanmar (0-0-2) with no points to show for so far.
Kaya’s victory came at the expense of Shan United, 2-0, in Yangon on Feb. 12, with Jovin Bedic and Eric Giganto providing the goals.
In the AFC Cup, leader on the board after group play books a spot in the zonal semifinals.
