Kaya-Iloilo repeats over Azkals Developmental, stays ahead in PFL

Jarvey Gayoso's go-ahead goal keeps Kaya-Iloilo in an excellent position to win the PFL title. PFL (file photo)

By Stewart Tan

MANILA—Kaya FC-Iloilo overcame an early deficit to defeat the Azkals Developmental Team, 3-1, in the 2022-2023 Philippines Football League on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Audie Menzi, Jarvey Gayoso, and Nano Amita converted a goal each as the Iloilo City-based booters racked up their fourth consecutive win for 42 points on 14 wins and three losses to close out the third round of the tournament.

The club is 11 points clear of Dynamic Herb Cebu on top of the league table, although Cebu will visit the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig to face Maharlika Manila on Sunday night.

Kaya-Iloilo was stunned early in the contest with Andres Aldeguer converting past the defense of Zach Banzon to surge the ADT ahead in the 10th minute.

Kaya-Iloilo responded with an equalizer in the 28th minute as Daizo Horikoshi found Menzi at the far post from a corner and the latter calmly scored past the defense of the Azkals.

Gayoso, formerly of the Azkals Developmental squad, drilled the go-ahead goal in the 47th minute as he had an explosive run from the defense before shooting past the goalkeeper.

Azkals Developmental had its chances to tie the game but could not penetrate the defense before Amita secured the victory for Kaya-Iloilo with a connection in the 94th minute.  

This was the third victory of Kaya-Iloilo against the Azkals Developmental Team this season following a 1-0 triumph last Aug. 7 and another 1-0 beating last Oct. 1.

Kaya-Iloilo will have a month-long break before returning to action on April 15 against the Azkals Developmental Team to start the fourth and final round of the season.

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