Kaya-Iloilo suffered another setback in its 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two group stage campaign, falling 2-0 to K League 1 side Pohang Steelers at the Pohang Steel Yard in South Korea.
The reigning Philippines Football League champions held firm for most of the match but conceded late in heartbreaking fashion.
In the 82nd minute, Kaya defender Kaishu Yamazaki accidentally turned the ball into his own net to hand the home side the breakthrough.
Pohang then sealed the victory in stoppage time with a header from Paik Sung-Dong.
The loss pushed Yu Hoshide’s men further away from the round-of-16 contention in Group G after two matchdays.
Kaya sits at the bottom of the table with zero points and a minus-5 goal difference.
In contrast, Singapore’s Tampines Rovers, fresh from a win over Thai side BG Pathum United, tops the group with six points and a plus-4 goal difference.
Pohang is in second with six points and a plus-3 GD, while BG Pathum occupies third with zero points and a minus-2 GD.
All four teams return to action on October 23 at 6:00 PM (Manila time).
Kaya will host BG Pathum United at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac, while Tampines Rovers and Pohang Steelers clash in Singapore.
