Ceres tries to nail UFL Cup vs Kaya

MANILA, Philippines - League titlist Ceres-La Salle FC seeks to put an exclamation point to a dominating season tonight when it takes on Kaya FC in UFL Cup finals at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Bacolod-based club hits the field at 8:15 p.m. with its sights set on annexing the Cup one month after reigning in the premier division.

Ceres has also previously won the second division and FA League Cup, making the Cup, their fourth in the UFL, if ever.

“Ever since we started playing, we wanted to win every tournament we participated in,” said Ceres coach Ali Go, adding the UFL Cup “is one trophy that still needs to be won.”

But the Busmen will be up against a Kaya side that’s determined to win the Cup to get a shot at the AFC Cup playoff.

“It’s all about the AFC Cup spot. The only way we will get that spot is by winning this tournament,” said Kaya manager Paul Tolentino.

Ceres reached the championship after edging a gritty Loyola Meralco Sparks, 1-0, behind the 70th minute goal of Orman Okuinaya.

For its part, Kaya came from behind to beat Stallion FC on penalties, 5-4.

Kaya rallied from a 0-2 deficit before forcing a 3-3 tie at the end of regulation and extra time. Louis Clark scored the marginal spot-kick that sent Kaya to its first UFL Cup finals appearance.