Eric Ben Giganto struck right in the nick of time to lift Kaya-Iloilo over Azkals Development Team, 1-0, in the 2022-2023 Philippines Football League sponsored by Qatar Airways, Sunday evening, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
“I really expected that it will be a tough game,” said Kaya coach Yu Hoshide. “Before (Giganto) scored, he had really good chances as well. I’m sure he was always in the right positions even in training, so I’m sure he will score. That’s why I put him in the last minutes.”
The former Far Eastern University standout came off the bench in the 81st minute of the match in place of his long-time teammate Arnel Amita. Giganto then moved into the right place at the right time to head the ball past ADT goalie Julian Schwarzer in the 90+1 minute.
“Maraming chances na nangyari pero kudos din sa goalkeeper nila,” said Giganto. “I know (ADT) is still developing but you can see nandun lumalaban, sa possession nakikipagsabayan. Mga bata pa nga pero may potential.”
Beforehand, Schwarzer had a fantastic debut for the ADT. He denied attempts by the likes of Giganto, Jarvey Gayoso, and Kaya skipper Jovin Bedic. A goalless first half ensued and a 0-0 draw beckoned, but the ADT failed to hold on as Kaya found a way to force a breakthrough.
“Hopefully, sa future, makita rin natin na like locals like me na mag-pe-perform at this stage, level,” added Giganto.
The result means that Hoshide’s men take all three points to kickstart their championship quest.
Kaya will return to action against Dynamic Herb Cebu on August 14, 2022, with kickoff time scheduled at 7:00 PM. On the other hand, the ADT goes up against Maharlika Manila on August 22, 2022, at 4:00 PM. The Rizal Memorial will host both matches.
Kaya XI: Balobo (GK), Kekkonen, Bedic ©, Amita, Diano, Melliza, Fuji, Casambre, Gayoso, Arboleda, Rota.
ADT XI: Schwarzer, Galsim, Chung, Maniti, Bias, Gallantes, Rosquillo, Schrock ©, Tom, Saut, Amirul.
