Originally published by SunStar
CEBU FC suffered its first setback in the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara after losing to defending champion Kaya FC-Iloilo in its last elimination round match on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Ghanaian midfielder Patrick Arthur gave Kaya FC the early lead after converting a free kick in the 14th minute. Arthur struck from outside the box and the ball bounced off the crossbar and into the net.
Japanese striker Daizo Horikoshi was fouled by Japanese defender Ren Okuda inside the box for a penalty shot. Horikoshi converted the penalty and gave Kaya FC a 2-0 lead in the 33rd minute.
Horiskoshi scored his second goal in the 59th minute with a strike from point blank range from a cross pass by Jesse Curran.
Meanwhile, United City FC (UCFC) settled for a scoreless draw with Stallion Laguna FC.
Because of the loss, Cebu FC finished the elimination round in second place, while Kaya FC clinched the first spot.
Cebu FC takes on UCFC in the semifinals, while Kaya FC faces Stallion FC.
Cebu FC had an impressive second season thus far, as the club finished with 13 points from four wins, a draw and a loss. Cebu FC, owned by Turkish businessman Ugur Tasci, finished fourth last season but failed to win a single match in a compressed tournament that was only composed of five teams.
Cebu FC made some huge changes to its coaching and roster. Because of its partnership with Super Lig club Hatayspor, Cebu FC acquired the services of Turkish coaches Mehmet Kakil and Levent Ozturk. Hatayspor also sent to Cebu three Turkish players from its Under-19 squad – Arda Cinkinr, Mert Altinoz and Nazim Ozcan.