By JONAS TERRADO
The projected title showdown was finalized as defending champion Kaya-Iloilo and league winner Ceres-Negros scored contrasting wins Sunday in the Copa Paulino Alcantara semifinals.
Kaya ended the dream run of Mendiola FC 1991, 3-0, at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa City, Batangas while Ceres edged Stallion-Laguna, 4-3, at the Binan Football Stadium.
The two clubs will meet on Saturday in a battle between the two best teams during the Philippines Football League season.
Kenshiro Daniels, Jovin Bedic and Darryl Roberts all scored in the second half as Kaya overcame a Mendiola side that made it to the semis despite finishing fifth in the league.
The win also kept Kaya unbeaten in 10 matches since the inaugural staging of the Copa last year.
Over in Binan, Stephan Schrock and Mike Ott each had a brace to give Ceres the win despite trailing 2-0 in the first 15 minutes on scores from Edris-Nasser Najim and Abou Sy.
Ceres remained undefeated after 24 matches in all competitions.