Kaya, Davao Aguilas vie for first-ever Copa Paulino Alcantara title

KAYA FC-Iloilo and Davao Aguilas Bellmare FC clash for the first- ever Copa Paulino Alcantara trophy and a 2019 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup berth at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila today.

The Lions meet the Aguilas in the Copa Paulino Alcantara finals at 5 p.m. Kaya Iloilo advanced to the championship after an unbeaten run in the group stage highlighted by a 3-2 win over Stallion Laguna FC behind Senegalese striker Robert Lopez Mendy’s hat-trick in the semifinals.

Mendy, currently the league and Copa’s top scorer, is eager to lead the Lions back to the AFC Cup after two years.

“The objective is the AFC (Cup),” said Mendy, who have so far nine goals under his name. “We have to focus 100 percent to win that game. It’s crucial for our season.”

The Davao Aguilas, meanwhile, made it to the title match after they cruised through the preliminaries unscathed. Their entry was sealed with a 6- 1 demolition of JPV Marikina FC highlighted by Korean forward Kim Sung Min’s double brace.

Assistant coach Leigh Manson though wants the Aguilas to focus on the end goal. “We start the game against Kaya at 0-0. It doesn’t matter how many goals we scored in previous games,” said Manson.

Iloilo holds an edge over Davao, winning three and settling for one draw in their five encounters this year.

Manson though pointed out that both clubs are enjoying an 11game unbeaten run dating back to the second Philippines Football League season.

“Earlier in the season, we’ve never beat Ceres (Negros FC). That’s changed three games in a row, we’ve beaten them. Same with Kaya,” he said.