Kaya-Iloilo started its campaign in the 2024–25 Shopee Cup on a disappointing note, narrowly losing 1-0 to Malaysian side Kuala Lumpur City on Thursday at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium.
The two-time Philippines Football League champions conceded the match’s only goal in the 12th minute when 21-year-old forward Haqimi Azim Rosli tapped in a cross from his captain, Paulo Josuè, to beat Kaya-Iloilo goalkeeper Patrick Deyto.
Down 1-0, Kaya-Iloilo pushed for an equalizer but to no avail. Kaishu Yamazaki, Jhan-Jhan Melliza, Yi-Young Park, and Marwin Angeles all had attempts in the first half, but none were able to find the back of the net.
In the second half, Deyto kept Kaya in the game with fine saves against Josuè and substitute S. Sharvin. Despite his efforts, Kuala Lumpur City managed to secure a winning start to their tournament.
“Good result,” said Kuala Lumpur City coach Miroslav Kuljanac. “It was very important for us to get the three points in this tournament. I think we could have scored more goals, as you saw, but our attack was not as effective as it could have been.
“There were so many chances. I hoped we would score one more goal so I could watch the game in peace, but my players kept me nervous the whole time,” he added.
With this result, Kaya-Iloilo fell to fifth place in Group B with 0 points and a -1 goal difference, while Kuala Lumpur City moved up to third place with 3 points and a +1 goal difference.
Both teams will return to action on September 26. Kaya-Iloilo will visit Buriram United in Thailand, while Kuala Lumpur City will host Indonesian side Borneo.
Kuala Lumpur City XI: Ghani (GK), D Lambert, Rudović, Gallifuoco, Azizi, Pallraj, R Lambert, Motika, Gan, Rosli, Josué (C).
Kaya XI: Deyto (GK), Casambre, Menzi (C), Saito, Diano, Yi-Young, Komaki, Yamazaki, Angeles, Melliza, Lopez Mendy.
