Kenshiro Daniels’ goal proved insufficient to change Kaya-Iloilo’s fortunes, as the club’s hopes of advancing from the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two group stage ended with a 2-1 loss to Thailand’s BG Pathum on Thursday at Pathum Thani Stadium.
Daniels, who previously played for Thai clubs Sukhothai and Nakhon Ratchasima, brought the reigning Philippines Football League champions level with a right-footed strike in the 15th minute.
However, Kaya could not capitalize on Daniels’ goal, as Matheus Fornazari’s brace proved decisive.
Fornazari opened the scoring just nine minutes into the match with a header from Joel López Pissano’s cross and doubled his tally in the 34th minute with another header to secure the win.
In the second half, BG Pathum continued to press, with Surachat Sareepim, Kritsada Kaman, and legendary Thai forward Chanathip Songkrasin creating opportunities. Still, Kaya managed to keep the deficit at one goal.
With zero points from four matches in Group H, Kaya’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage are now mathematically over. The team can only reach a maximum of six points from its remaining two matches.
BG Pathum United currently sits second in the group with six points, while South Korea’s Pohang Steelers and Singapore’s Tampines Rovers occupy first and third with seven and 10 points, respectively, following their 1-1 draw at the Pohang Steel Yard.
Kaya will aim to salvage some pride when it concludes its campaign against Tampines Rovers on November 27 and Pohang Steelers on December 11.
