By Jonas Terrado
Game Today
(Rizal Memorial Stadium)
5 p.m. – Davao vs Kaya
Brothers Phil and James Younghusband seek their first-ever appearance in the AFC Cup as they try to lead the Davao Aguilas against the Kaya-Iloilo bets in today’s final of the inaugural Copa Paulino Alcantara at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Younghusbands are expected to figure prominently in the 5 p.m. match that will also see the Aguilas go for their first major title since being established last year.
Looking to spoil Davao’s bid is Kaya, which is aiming to make its return to the continental tournament after reaching the knockout stage in 2016.
Both clubs topped their respective groups with 10 points each before winning their respective semifinal matches last weekend.
Davao drubbed JPV-Marikina, 6-1, at Rizal Memorial while Kaya edged Stallion-Laguna, 3-2, in Iloilo City.
Phil and James have never played in the AFC Cup during their club careers, though the siblings had experience playing in the international stage when they led the now-defunct Loyola Meralco Sparks to multiple Singapore Cup appearances.
Getting to Asia’s second-tier club competition will add another major achievement for the Younghusbands, perhaps two of the most accomplished players in the modern Philippine football era.
