Kaya FC-Iloilo cracks AFC Champs League

MANILA, Philippines — Kaya FC-Iloilo of the Philippines upstaged Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port, 1-0, last Wednesday at the Pathum Thani Stadium in Bangkok to secure a breakthrough appearance in the AFC Champions League.

Audie Menzi headed in the marginal goal while goalkeeper Louie Casas foiled a potential equalizer as Kaya hurdled the playoff match and qualified for Asia’s premier club competition for the first time.

“Everybody was a warrior for us tonight,” said coach Graham Harvey, whose charges became the second Philippine qualifier in this year’s ACL after United City FC, which had a direct entry as the Philippines Football League (PFL) kingpin.

“This was our first game since November. Maybe you could see in the last 15 minutes some players struggled but everybody worked hard. It’s an amazing achievement for the club,” he added.

Harvey and his crew booked their spot in Group F against defending ACL champion Ulsan Hyundai FC of Korea, Vietnam’s Viettel FC and host BG Pathum United.