Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 26) – Kaya FC-Iloilo failed to stop the good offensive showing of fellow AFC Champions League debutant BG Patham United of Thailand at the first day of Group F matches of the continental club tournament.
The Graham Harvey-mentored squad lost to the Thai League 1 champions, 1-4, at the Pathum Thani Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday.
BG Patham United controlled the offensive rhythm of the match from the start as they attempted to score a goal in the seventh minute from midfielder Thitiphan Puangchan, which was deflected by Kaya goalkeeper Louie Casas.
The Thai professional league champion got their first goal in the 23rd minute courtesy of Thailand national team captain Teerasil Dangda off a cross from defender Santipharp Channgom, whose shot slipped past the hands of Casas.
Brazilian forward Diogo scored the team’s second goal in the 35th minute from a mid-range pass by Puangchan.
Four minutes into the second half, Kaya defender Simone Rota received a red card after a hard tackle on Diogo. The Brazilian striker’s free kick cruised past the Kaya wall of defenders to give BG Patham United a comfortable 3-0 lead.
The Aurelio Vidmar-coached Thai team stretched its lead in the 59th minute when Dangda scored the fourth goal coming from a Diogo cross.
Kaya scored its first AFC Champions League goal in the 82nd minute when Marwin Angeles stroke a shot from the left corner.
Kaya seeks to rebound from its loss as they face Vietnam’s Viettel FC on June 29 and South Korea pro league titlist Ulsan Hyundai FC on July 2 and 5. The Filipino club will again face BG Patham United on July 8 and Viettel FC in their last game on July 11.
Kaya marched to its maiden AFC Champions League appearance after a 1-0 win against Chinese club Shanghai Port FC in the playoff fixture last June 23.
