By: Icko de Guzman
Defending champions Kaya-Iloilo’s struggles continued with a 1-1 draw against Dynamic Herb Cebu in the 2025-26 Philippines Football League last Saturday at the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex in Talisay, Cebu.
This match marked Kaya’s return to Cebu since their last encounter with Dynamic Herb in 2023, which also ended in a stalemate.
Kaito Asano put the hosts ahead in the 16th minute, catching goalkeeper Patrick Deyto off his line and placing the ball into the top corner.
Kaya responded 14 minutes later. Mar Diano sent a precise pass into the box for Martini Rey, who calmly slotted it past Joseph Ceniza to level the score.
Both teams pressed for a winner, but Deyto produced a series of crucial saves, earning him Man of the Match honors for Kaya.
“It was a very intense game,” Deyto said after the match. “The atmosphere here in Cebu is always amazing. Both teams gave 100 percent, and I think a 1-1 draw is a fair result. I owe this performance to my team. I haven’t been playing at the level I want, so to deliver this today means a lot.”
(C) PFL
In other Saturday matches at Rizal Memorial Stadium, Maharlika secured a 3-1 win over DB Garelli United, with goals from Jaehyon Park (13’), Jorrel Aristorenas (53’), and Cristian Escobar (55’).
Solomon Okereke scored the lone goal for Garelli.
(C) PFL
Meanwhile, Aguilas-UMak edged Philippine Army 2-1.
Reycredo Bukit opened the scoring, John Celiz equalized for Army, but substitute Mikailou Djibrila struck late to seal the victory and all three points for Aguilas.
League action resumes this Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Stadium, with Tuloy facing Valenzuela PB-Mendiola at 4:00 p.m., followed by AFC Challenge League semifinalists Manila Digger taking on Aguilas-UMak at 7:00 p.m.
