Kaya FC-Iloilo pounced on a second half fight back to defeat three-time champions De La Salle University, 2-1, in the PFF Women’s League 2023 sponsored by Coca-Cola Philippines semi-final last Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Goals from Shelah Cadag in the 49th minute and Hazel Lustan in the 65th minute saw Kaya advance to the final where they will face Manila Digger FC.
However despite Kaya’s strong start, which saw Cadag denied by the post in the second minute, it was La Salle that drew first blood in the 19th minute
Marie Layacan’s low cross was cleared away by Hali Long, but was blocked by Alisha Del Campo, allowing the ball to go into the path of Angelica Teves who sent it past Inna Palacios for the opener.
Kaya turned the tie around in the second half. Cadag equalized for Kaya four minutes in to the second half. Camille Rodriguez found the forward free inside the box, who was unmarked before finishing it past Jelena Pido.
Lustan would also join in the scoresheet past the hour mark from the penalty spot after Rodriguez was brought down in the box by Jan Jumawan.
Kaya almost made it 3-1 in the night but substitute Maria Tanjangco saw her effort denied by the crossbar.