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Kaya Iloilo slows Ulsan down before conceding record setting win

Ulsan Hyundai set a new AFC Champions League record for the longest winning streak but not without a fight from Kaya Iloilo. AFC
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Despite yet another losing effort, Kaya Iloilo somehow took the fight to defending AFC Champions League winner Ulsan Hyundai, holding the Korean club to just three goals on Friday night at the Leo Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand.

What was expected to be a walk in the park for Ulsan turned out to be a grinding as the club only got a first half brace from Oh Se-Hun and an early second half strike from Valeri Qazaishvili all match long.

Oh struck first for Ulsan after Qazaishvili found him open for the 12th minute goal.

Kaya Iloilo, however, slowed Ulsan down on offense midway through the first half and even looked poise to enter halftime just 0-1 down.

A Marwin Angeles foul on Kim Ji-Hyun turned out to be a huge blunder for Kaya Iloilo as it set up Hong Chul's free kick that Oh converted into a header goal in the 40th minute.

Angeles had a chance to redeem himself after taking the ball away from Kim, but it ended up in Qazaivishli's foot and he struck it past Mike Casas to make it 3-0 in the 48th minute.

Kenshiro Daniels had the greatest crack at a Kaya Iloilo goal as he successfully evaded Ulsan's defense leaving only Jo Hyeon-Woo to beat, but Jo showed nerves of steel by saving Daniel's one-on-one attempt.

Oh had a chance to complete a hat trick in the 66th minute, but he struck the ball too strong in his close range attempt that it hit the top crossbar before sailing out of bounds.

Ulsan only had a few chances at goal since then thanks to Kaya Iloilo's gallant defensive stand.

Ulsan set a new ACL record for the longest winning streak with its 12th straight victory dating back to last season.

Both clubs will face off again on Monday night at the start of the second round of the group stages.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno

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