Kaya FC snares Copa Paulino Alcantara

MANILA, Philippines — The trophy of Philippines Football League’s inaugural Copa Paulino Alcantara couldn’t have found a more approriate home – Iloilo.

Kaya FC Iloilo, a team based in Alcantara’s home province, won the Cup tournament that bears the legendary Barcelona FC’s name via a 1-0 thriller over Davao Aguilas with an Ilonggo fittingly delivering the late game-winner in extra time.

Joven Bedic, from Barotac Iloilo, broke the long scoreless spell when he cashed in on Robert Lopez Mendy’s assist at the 118th minute to power Kaya to the crown, its first since the 2015 United Football League Cup, and clinch a trip to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup next year.

Kaya joined PFL League champ Ceres Negros as Phl’s representatives to the AFC Cup, the second-tier international club competition in Asia.