The Kaya F.C. Iloilo women’s team beat tournament host and Singaporean champion Lion City Sailors, 3-1 to jumpstart its campaign in the regional Women’s Football Championship in style on Monday night at the German European School in Singapore.
Former Far Eastern University stalwart Dionesa Tolentin scored a brace while former De La Salle champion Maye Mendaño added another as the Philippine club won its debut decisively, in the process making history as the Women’s Football Championship is the team’s first taste of women’s international 11-a-side football.
The timing of Kaya’s entry to the WFC couldn’t have been more ideal for head coach Let Dimzon’s side, with the core of the squad participating in the on-going AIA 7’s Football League, where they are the defending women’s Division 1 champions.
The WFC is likewise Kaya’s first official competitive 11-a-side tournament since the global pandemic, and a fitting preparation should the Philippine Football Federation finally restart the PFF Women’s League.
Philippine women’s football national team mainstays Hali Long and Inna Palacios also came back from Filipinas duties, bolstering the Kaya roster even more. Guest players Anicka Castañeda and Alisha del Campo were also named to the roster, although suited up as substitutes in Kaya’s opening match.
The team will play the Thai champions Phranakorn FC next on Wednesday night at the Vishun Stadium before rounding out the schedule on Friday against Indonesian team Persib Bandung Putri again at the German European School.
Photo from AIA 7’s Football League
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