CARMONA, Cavite – Kaya Iloilo pipped Maharlika Manila in the first match of the Copa Paulino Alcantara on Monday night with a 1-0 win at the PFF National Training Center here.
Daizo Horikoshi's strike was all needed for Kaya Iloilo to begin its title defense in the cup tournament organized by the Philippines Football League (PFL) on a high note.
The Japanese reinforcement scored in the 46th minute as he got the ball off a wild sequence inside the penalty area and slotted it past Henri Bandeken Fong.
The match could have been a blowout, but Robert Mendy and Audie Menzi had their shots only kissing the goalpost instead of going in.
Nevertheless, Kaya Iloilo's victory spoiled the PFL debut of renowned South Korean coach Kim Chul-Su at Maharlika Manila.
Kaya Iloilo will take a two-week break before battling United Clark on March 28.
Maharlika Manila, on the other hand, will play twice next week against debuting Mendiola on March 21 and United Clark on March 24. (PNA)
