By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Kaya FC-Iloilo made it known that they are still the kings of the Philippines Football League (PFL) after bagging its second consecutive crown on July 7, 2024, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Kaya FC edged the Davao Aguilas-UMAK FC, 1-0, to clinch the championship title and capped off its season with an undefeated win-loss record.
The Iloilo-based football club found its chance of securing the title with still a game left after the Dynamic Herb Cebu FC lost against Stallion Laguna FC, 2-1.
With Cebu trailing in second place, winning against Stallion Laguna was a must to keep their championship hopes alive.
However, that loss against Stallion Laguna ended their championship aspirations, paving the way for Kaya FC to nab the early title against Davao.
It wasn’t a walk in the park as Iloilo had to dig deep against the talented Davao squad, surviving several chances that could’ve changed the complexion of the match.
Eager to salvage an upset win against the no.1 team in the PFL, Davao put on a defensive clinic as they disrupted Kaya FC’s usual passing lanes.
Just when Davao thought they could maintain their physical pace, Iloilo’s superstar striker Jarvey Gayoso made them pay after being rewarded with a penalty attempt.
In an attempt to rush inside Davao’s penalty box for a shot, Gayoso was fouled by defender Dodong Villareal on the left side of the pitch.
Calm and collected, the seasoned striker easily shot past Davao’s goalkeeper for the game’s lone goal which proved to be enough to bring them the championship.
With their season on the line, Davao was in desperation to level the match and had plenty of chances but Kaya FC’s goalkeeper Walid Birrou denied all of their attempts to steer Kaya FC to another title.
Kaya FC will still have a game remaining on July 13, 2024, as they go up against Loyola FC to be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
