Ultimately, the experience of Kaya-Iloilo proved to be too much for the young stars of the Azkals Development Team.
The defending champions started their title defense in the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara with a 2-0 victory over the ADT, Sunday evening at the Philippine Football Federation National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Second-half strikes from Daizo Horikoshi and Simone Rota were enough to propel Kaya to the top of Group B with three points. Meanwhile, the ADT looks to bounce back in its next fixture.
After a goalless first period, Kaya was able to punch through first blood thanks to some fine play from the 2021 AFC Champions League entrant. Horikoshi finished from close range at the 54th minute following a cross from the left flank.
The ADT then tried to mount a comeback and dominated possession. Still, the Kaya players’ streetwise conduct helped them ride through the wave of pressure.
Come the 70th minute, though, coach Yu Hoshide’s men were able to double their lead. Veteran Rota put the ball at the back of the net after the ADT defenders failed to clear their lines.
Kaya resumes its campaign on Wednesday, 4:00 PM while the ADT does so on Saturday, 7:30 PM. Both teams shall take on Mendiola 1991.
Kaya XI: Banzon (GK), Bedic (C), Daniels, Melliza, Arboleda, Horikoshi, Angeles, Amita, Menzi, Mitchell, Rota.
Azkals DT XI: Kammeraad (GK), Custodio, Forrosuelo, Chung, Limbo, Bias, Gallantes, Gayoso (C), Ouano, Rontini, Kekkonen.
