Photo courtesy of Kaya FC: OJ Porteria in training.
Kaya FC continue their AFC Cup journey on Tuesday, April 12, as they square off with Balestier Khalsa in Singapore. Having achieved a 1-0 victory against the same opposition in the comforts of the Rizal Memorial Stadium a month prior, the Filipino side is determined to recreate the success with a similar performance away from home.
“We will not change our approach. We, as a collective, approach every single game like it’s our last. The boys are looking for the win, but it won’t be easy, so we have to grind it out and play beautiful,” said OJ Porteria leading into the match.
After a narrow defeat to Kitchee in their AFC Cup debut, Kaya turned things around with back-to-back wins at home against New Radiant, and Balestier Khalsa, respectively. The results pushed the club to the top of Group F with six points.
Another victory on Tuesday night would not only be the team’s first success in opposition territory, but it would also put Kaya a point away from qualification into the next round of the AFC Cup – a feat yet to be achieved by any Filipino football club.
Miguel Tanton, who recently received his first ever call up to the Philippine National Football Team after some standout displays in the AFC Cup, is expected to once again play a central role on Tuesday night. And much like Porteria, he shares the same sentiments heading into Tuesday’s contest.
“I love OJ’s response,” he laughed.
Kickoff between the Philippines’ Kaya FC and Singapore’s Balestier Khalsa is scheduled at 7:30pm, April 12, at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
