MANILA – Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo ended its thirst for a crown after a 1-0 victory over Azkals Development Team in the finals of the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara last night at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Kenshiro Daniels was the difference maker for the Iloilo City-based football club. His second half conversion handed the team its first-ever trophy since ruling the 2018 edition of Copa.
Ilonggo Jovin Bedic was aggressive in the opening half with his ninth and 41st minute attempts but was tracked down by 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.
“As expected, it was a really difficult game against Azkals but the players showed their desire to win,” Kaya-Iloilo head coach Yu Hoshide said. “Our players also enjoyed the show.”
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 team 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.
“We worked hard for this and even though we lost in the semis, ‘di talaga namin gusto na we go down with a loss so coming into this match, we wanted a win,” said Stallion-Laguna goal keeper Kenneth James./PN
