Kaya booters, U-23 Azkals set finale

MANILA, Philippines — Kaya FC Iloilo and the Azkals Development Team (ADT) forged a duel for the Copa Paulino Alcantra crown after eking out thrilling victories over their respective semifinal rivals Tuesday at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

Kaya leaned on a late penalty by Jovin Bedic to dispose of Dynamic Herb Cebu, 1-0, while ADT rallied past Stallion Laguna, 2-1, to advance to tomorrow’s one-game finale.

“Cebu is really an organized team and we really needed to stay patient. I think that was the key for us,” said Kaya coach Yu Hoshide.

The Iloilo-based booters got the opportunity to break a scoreless standoff in the 86th minute when Cebu skipper Baris Tasci was called for a handball. Bedic stepped to the spot and calmly sent the ball in.

For their part, the U-23 Azkals turned to Jarvey Gayoso and Yrick Gallantes to complete their fightback against Laguna.