Kaya FC–Iloilo fall short in Singapore

KAYA FC-Iloilo fell short in their bid to finish second of Group H in the 2019 AFC Cup, as two early goals from Home United sunk the Philippine side at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday night.

Needing a win to have any chance of qualification, the match couldn’t have started any worse for the visitors. Straight from kickoff, Home United managed to get a ball inside the box, which Adam Swandi volleyed into the net to open the scoring.

Iloilo came close to leveling almost immediately from a corner kick, but Jordan Mintah’s header was saved. Home then almost turned the ball into their own net after Connor Tacagni drilled a low cross into the box.

But just as Kaya was gaining a foothold into the game, United doubled the lead in the 18th minute. From a wide free kick, the ball bounced to Abdul Mutalib for a close range finish. Mintah forced another save before the half was through, but a breakthrough remained elusive.

Eric Giganto came on for Tacagni before the hour mark to help inspire a comeback, and it wasn’t long before the AFC Cup debutant had a shot on target. Darryl Roberts and substitute Arnie Pasinabo both had efforts saved late into the contest, but Home United held on to the 2-0 victory.

With the defeat, Kaya finished third in Group H with eight points from six matches.