From a sluggish opening to a victorious ending.
Trailing by one point in the first half, Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo women’s team made an amazing fight back to defeat De La Salle University Lady Archers, 2-1, in the 2023 Philippine Football Federation Women’s League semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium over the weekend.
The Iloilo City-based footballers got their points from impressive goals of Shelah Mae Cadag and Negrense Hazel Lustan who carried the team to the championship round against the Manila Diggers FC.
The Lady Archers, a three-time champion in the tournament, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with Angelica Teves slotting the ball past the defense of Kaya-Iloilo’s Inna Palacios.
After failing to score in the first half, Kaya-Iloilo became aggressive in the second half as they tied the score courtesy of the 49th minute connection of Cadag from a pass by Camille Rodriguez.
Trained by coach Marnelli Dimzon, Kaya-Iloilo finally claimed the lead in the 65th minute with Cadag connecting from close range past the defense of Lady Archers’ keeper Jessica Pido.
Rodriguez, who was named as the Player of the Game, said their second half adjustment was the key in turning things around and clinching the remaining championship slot in the tournament.
“I am very proud of my team. We knew that we will be entering this game as the more experienced team so we need to play within our strength which is being smart, and thankfully we were able to adjust at halftime,” Rodriguez said.
Meanwhile, Manila Diggers FC took the first championship spot following a 4-3 penalty kick off victory the no. 1 ranked Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in their semifinals game.
Both teams are hungry for the finals slot but Manila Diggers gained a slight edge in the kickoff to complete the upset win against their foe.IMT Sports
