By Jonas Terrado
Game Saturday
(Rizal Memorial Stadium)
7 p.m. – Davao vs Kaya
The Davao Aguilas and Kaya-Iloilo arranged a showdown for the inaugural Copa Paulino Alcantatra crown after winning their respective semifinal matches over the weekend.
Davao coasted past JPV-Marikina, 6-1, Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium while Kaya edged Stallion-Laguna, 3-2, the other day at the Iloilo Sports Complex.
Both clubs are scheduled to meet on Saturday night at Rizal Memorial for the right to become the first champion of the cup tournament named in honor of the late Filipino great Paulino Alcantara, who scored 147 goals for Barcelona from 1918-1927.
“Paulino Alcantara was born in Iloilo, and if we win this, it would be huge for Iloilo fans,” said Kaya official Jing Jamlang in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Tapa King Restaurant in Farmers Plaza, Cubao.
Also at stake is a spot in next year’s AFC Cup, joining Philippines Football League champion Ceres-Negros.
A second PFL team will join the AFC Cup if Ceres secures qualification to the prestigious AFC Champions League.
“We’re looking forward to Saturday’s game. It’s our main objective to qualify to the AFC Cup, so we’ll do everything we can to win,” said Davao Aguilas’ Darrel Cheng, who also graced the weekly public sports program presented by San Miguel Corporation, Tapa King, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Davao and Kaya topped their respective groups to secure home matches in the semis.
Korean Kim Sung-Min scored four goals while Phil Younghusband and Jason de Jong each found the back of the net as the Aguilas rolled past the Marikina side to move a win shy of securing its first-ever silverware.
