JDT boots out Kaya FC from AFC Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Like fellow Philippine club Ceres La Salle FC, debutant Kaya FC failed to sustain its history-making run in the 2016 AFC Cup as it got the boot after a 2-7 defeat to holder Johor Datul Ta’zim on a wet Wednesday night at Stadium Tan Sri Dato Haji Yunos in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

The Kaya booters, who made their historic appearance in the knockout stage, failed to stop the Southern Tigers’ searing attack and make headway en route to kissing their quarterfinal aspirations goodbye.

Kaya’s exit came a day after Ceres fell in extra time to Hong Kong’s South China AA, 0-1, in a home match over in Bacolod, ending the Philippines’ twin campaign in Asia’s second-tier club competition.

Energized by the 17,322-strong home crowd, Argentine striker Juan Lucero fired a hat-trick while Azammudin Akil came through with a brace to spark JDT’s hot offense.

Jorge Pereyra and Mahali Jazuli also found the back of the net to complete the one-sided victory for the reigning Malaysian Super League and FA Cup titlists.

OJ Porteria and Antonio Ugarte delivered the two goals for Kaya.

“It was a very good experience against the defending champion. Some of us were new in facing big crowds away, especially when we’re up against the quality of the champions,” said Kaya coach Joel Villarino in the match report on the AFC website.

“We tried our best but it wasn’t good enough,” he added.

Lucero opened scoring 15 minutes in, driving a free kick past Kaya keeper Matthew Acton. Diaz doubled the lead 18 minutes later with a well-placed penalty kick. Azammudin scored back-to-back to put the Southern Tigers up 4-nil at intermission.

“The first goal we conceded really surprised us because we were not ready when it happened. I didn’t know what happened to our keeper because we weren’t able to adjust right away to the free kick,” said Villarino.

Porteria said the experience should motivate Kaya to strive harder for glory.