Kaya-Iloilo leaned on Kenshiro Daniels’ goal early in the second half to edge out the Azkals Development Team, 1-0, Friday, Nov. 19 and win the Copa Paulino Alcantara at the PFF Natonal Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
The eventual winner came when Simone Rota’ looped the ball for Daniels, who flicked the ball while defended by ADT back Mar Diano in the 47th minute of the cup final that encountered a lengthy delay due to power outage.
Daniels’ goal proved to be the difference as Kaya preserved the lead till the end despite allowing ADT to dominate possession in the second half to complete an unbeaten run in the two-week competition.
It was Kaya’s first title since 2018 when a similar scoreline beat the Davao Aguilas in the inaugural Copa final.
Kaya also capped off a memorable year that began when it competed in the prestigious AFC Champions League for the first time.
ADT settled for a runner-up finish as it played without team captain Jarvey Gayoso, who hurt his hamstring during the semifinal win over Stallion-Laguna three days earlier.
Gayoso, who played the role of cheerleader, was later given the Golden Boot award for most goals with six.
But the rest of the individual honors came from Kaya, with team captain Jovin Bedic getting the Golden Ball award as the top player of the Copa and veteran goalie Michael Casas receiving the Golden Glove.