LEAGUE champs Kaya FC-Iloilo annexed the Copa Paulino Alcantara after beating Davao Aguilas-UMAK on penalties, 4-3, after a 1-1 tie in extra time Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Justin Baas delivered the marginal spot kick as Kaya claimed the Copa that it previously won in 2018 and 2021 and capped a spectacular Philippines Football League season spiked by a blazing triumph in league play in May.
It’s actually a quadruple-championship performance in 2023 for the club as it also reigned supreme in the PFF Women’s League last month and the PFF U19 Boys Second-Division National Championship just hours before the Copa final.
Davao actually drew first blood against Kaya in the battle for the Cup trophy named after the legendary Pinoy scorer with FC Barcelona.
Yannick Tuason’s header in first-half stoppage put the Aguilas ahead and Kaya managed to get the equalizer via Arnel Amita 19 minutes after restart.
Mr. Baas’ penalty shot was initially saved but the referee called for a retake due to a violation by goalkeeper Dini Ouattara. The 23-year-old defender made the most of this second chance and slotted it home to break the tie for good and seal the deal.
Kaya custodian Quincy Kammeraad likewise helped lead the team to Mr. Baas’ winning shot as he denied Mr. Tuason and Serge Kaole in Davao’s turn in the shootout. — Olmin Leyba
