When the lights shine brightest, Kaya-Iloilo knows how to deliver.
In the dying minutes of a season-defining clash, Kaya found magic once more — and the result was history.
Lyca Cuenco struck in the 90+2 minute to lift Kaya past a relentless Makati, 2-1, on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Football Field, sealing the club’s second straight PFF Women’s League title in dramatic fashion.
“Three straight games, they really showed their character. In each of those games, they scored in the final moments,” said Kaya head coach David Basa. “I’m proud of their hard work, their dedication to the game, and their commitment to the team.”
(C) PFFWL
Shela Cadag opened the scoring in the sixth minute, setting the tone early.
But Makati, refusing to go quietly, drew level with a strike from Yona De La Calzada in the 81st minute — a goal that temporarily put Stallion Laguna FC on top of the title race.
Both Kaya and Stallion finished the season with 23 points, but it was the Iloilo side that took the crown by virtue of a superior goal difference.
For team captain Hali Long, the journey to the title was not without its lessons.
“The past two games have ended dramatically, and we did let some goals slip through. We switched off at certain moments, and that hurt us,” Long admitted.
“But now, it’s about growing, fixing our mistakes, and doing the work ahead — especially since we get to represent the Philippines in the Champions League. That’s such an honor.
“Doing it once was incredible, doing it again is even more special. I can’t wait to be back, but there’s still a lot of hard work to be done within the squad.”
Basa echoed that sentiment, noting how much the team has grown from last year’s heartbreak in the Women’s Cup.
“From the start, they really wanted to win. And in that last game, in the final minute, they showed they wouldn’t stop until they got the title,” he said.
In the final minutes, Basa made a bold call — pushing more players forward in pursuit of victory.
“We took the risk. We put more players on top to pressure MFC. We were chasing the win, and that mentality paid off,” he said. “Even though we dominated in possession and attempts, football is unpredictable. One mistake, and the game could’ve turned.
“That’s why I kept telling the players — don’t ever underestimate your opponent.”
(C) PFFWL
For Kaya, the title wasn’t just about silverware. It was about redemption — and redemption fulfilled.
“They wanted this badly,” Basa said. “They lost to Stallion before, and they carried that with them. This was personal. They made this season about rising back to the top.”
Former FEU star Dionesa Tolentin added, “Lahat ng players ginawa lahat para maipanalo yung game na ‘to. Yung play namin, nagawa namin and thankful kami kasi nanalo kami.”
Makati, meanwhile, showed they belonged on the big stage, finishing fourth with 16 points — just three shy of impressive debutant Capital1, who claimed third place and established themselves as one of the league’s most dangerous upstarts.
Kaya’s brilliance throughout the tournament was also reflected in individual honors.
Long, the defensive anchor and emotional leader of the squad, was named tournament MVP. Mexican striker Julissa Cisneros, who led the league with 13 goals, took home the Golden Boot.
With another league title in the bag, Kaya now turns its sights back to the continental stage.
After a promising debut in the AFC Women’s Club Championship, the team is eager for another deep run.
“That’s their dream — to represent the country and play at the international level,” Basa said. “Hopefully, they can feel that level of competition again outside the Philippines.”
But before that, another domestic battle looms.
The PFF Women’s Cup returns this September, with Stallion Laguna entering as defending champions.
