Kaya-Iloilo team captain Jovin Bedic expects a much-difficult battle with the Azkals Development Team in the Copa Paulino Alcantara Final on Friday, Nov. 19 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
This year’s AFC Champions League participant beat the developmental side, 2-0, in the Copa opener last Nov. 7, but the Kaya striker believes that things will be different especially with a piece of silverware on the line.
“Tinalo namin sila nung first game, but siyempre finals na to at for sure di sila maggigive-up,” Bedic said after his goal gave Kaya a 1-0 win over Dynamic Herb Cebu in the semifinals. “Kailangan maging maganda ang preparation namin dahil napaka-importante sa amin itong Copa.”
Kaya overcame a determined stand by ADT behind second half goals from Japanese winger Daizo Horikoshi and Simone Rota.
ADT has since bounced back with a 9-0 drubbing of Mendiola FC 1991 to claim the last semis berth before advancing to the final by recovering from a goal down to produce a 2-1 victory over Stallion-Laguna.
Kaya are eyeing their first title since the 2018 edition of the Copa, with Bedic looking to continue his great showing in the competition.
Bedic is second in the goalscoring tally with three goals, including a brace in the 6-0 beating of Mendiola in the group stage.
“Malaking bagay yung binibigay na tiwala sa akin ng coach and also ng management, kaya gusto kong ibalik sa kanila yung trophy this season,” he said.