Footballers from Kaya FC–Iloilo came back from a goal down to earn a point against PSM Makassar at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta.
The result keeps the Philippine side undefeated in the 2020 AFC Cup after three matches in Group H.
Kaya FC got a good start after PSM’s Dedy Gusmawan was sent off just 11 minutes into the contest for two quick-fire yellow cards. But despite being a man down, the home side were the ones to open the scoring. Yakob Sayuri picked out Osas Saha with a precise through ball, which the front man took in stride and slotted past Mike Casas. The goal was the first conceded by Iloilo in 2020.
Kaya took control of possession for the remainder of the opening period, but struggled to carve out openings. That changed after the break. Arnel Amita came on for Marwin Angeles, and Jayson Panhay came on for the injured Shirmar Felongco. Coach Yu Hoshide also tweaked the formation to play three at the back, pushing Eric Giganto into a forward role.
The shuffle paid off in a big way. Just minutes after the restart, Amita curled in an inviting cross which Giganto headed over the keeper and into the net. The Compostela Valley duo almost combined for the go ahead just after the hour mark, but Eric couldn’t keep his shot down. Kaya continued to push hard for a winner, with wave after wave of attacks. With 10 minutes remaining, Takumi Uesato had a shot saved and shortly after, Jovin Bedic had a close-range header deflected wide.
The final chance, however, fell for PSM. With only a minute remaining in regulation Osas fired narrowly wide from just outside the six-yard box, ensuring that the match finished all square at 1-1.
“We’re disappointed we couldn’t get the win, but it’s still a draw away from home. We’re still undefeated, and we will look to win our match against them at home,” said Kaya head coach Oliver Colina.
“We played a good game, but of course we didn’t beat them at their home. We need to go back, fix everything and try to beat them at our home,” said Iloilo captain Jovin Bedic.IMT
