Kaya-Iloilo showcased its true form in the second half to beat the Azkals Development Team, 2-0, in the start of the Copa Paulino Alcantara Sunday, Nov. 7 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Japanese striker Daizo Horikoshi scored the competition’s first goal before Simone Rota doubled the lead to give this year’s AFC Champions League participants the full three points over the ADT side featuring several players who competed in the recent U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Coach Yu Hoshide’s side moved within at least a point of securing one of the two semifinal slots in Group B, with Kaya taking on debuting Mendiola FC 1991 in three days for a chance to top the group.
ADT, on the other hand, can’t afford to suffer another loss in its last Group B match against Mendiola on Nov. 13.
The 25-year-old Horikoshi was named Man of the Match, mostly for breaking the ice after tapping in the opening goal after a cross from Audie Menzi and a sliding flick from Jovin Bedic in the 54th minute.
His free kick set up the second goal in the 70th with Menzi’s deflected attempt allowing fellow defensive back Rota to hit the back of the net from close range.