Kaya FC-Iloilo stuns Shanghai to book ticket to Champions League group stage

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The game’s lone goal courtesy of Audi Menzi booked Kaya FC-Iloilo to the Champions League group stage as they prevailed over the tough Shanghai Port FC in the knockout stage of the 2021 AFC Champions League qualifiers.

It was euphoria for the Iloilo-based football squad as their sweet victory helped them advance to the group stage draw of the prestigious tournament.

The Kaya boys had a great start as they looked to pressure consistently and tried to find the early first blood of the Southeast Asian clash.

Ilonggo captain Jovin Bedic had the chance to strike first in the scoring column but his attempt was deflected by the Shanghai goalkeeper.

Almost eight minutes after the Bedic attempt, Kaya defender Menzi then broke Shanghai’s heart with the first and last goal of the match that would help them advance to the main draw.

“Everybody was a warrior for us tonight. The coaching staff has worked so hard during the lockdown. It’s an amazing achievement involved with our club,” said Kaya head coach Graham Harvey.

With the win, Kaya FC is now locked in together with Thai League 1 champion BG Pathum United, Vietnamese champions Viettel, and South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai in group F.