Photo Courtesy of Kaya FC: Miguel Tanton in training
In less than a week, Kaya FC will play their third and final home game in AFC Cup group stage. On April 26, 3:00pm, they kickoff against Hong Kong giants, Kitchee, the only team to have inflicted defeat to Kaya in the competition so far.
The two clashed in their opening match in Group F, with the Hong Kong side sneaking past with a 1-0 victory. The Filipino club has since gone on a thrilling three-game winning streak, taking the lead in the group with nine points.
“It’s a good feeling but the job’s not over,” said midfielder Miguel Tanton.
Another triumph at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Tuesday would mean progress into the AFC Cup knockout rounds, a feat yet to be accomplished by any Filipino team.
“It’s going to be a tough game, no doubt,” Tanton continued. “But we’re going to have home court advantage with the heat. We’re hoping for a different outcome this time.”
Kaya are on a high in the competition at the moment, with their latest outing in the AFC Cup resulting in a 3-0 victory away to Singapore’s Balestier Khalsa. The commanding victory followed back-to-back 1-0 wins on home soil.
More than an opportunity to avenge the opening day defeat, on April 26, 3:00pm, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, the Filipino side have the chance to pave the way into the Round of 16.
AFC Cup Group F
| Pos | Team | Wins | Draws | Losses | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Kaya FC | 3 | 1 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 9 | |
| 2 | Kitchee | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 7 |
| 3 | Balestier Khalsa | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 4 |
| 4 | New Radiant | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 2 |
