Filipino club Kaya Iloilo marked its return to the AFC Cup by settling for a 1-1 draw with Lao Toyota on Wednesday night in their Group H encounter at New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane.
Back in the continental competition after a two-year absence, Kaya took the lead in the 18th minute, thanks to captain Jovin Bedic’s unstoppable half volley just inside the box.
But Sayfa Aphideth headed home from a tight angle after Kazuo Homma’s teasing cross into the area three minutes from time as the home side salvaged a point.
Lao had an early opportunity with Homma denied by the woodwork 10 minutes into the match after Kaya failed to deal with the through ball from midfield.
The Iloilo side grabbed the lead minutes later with Bedic providing a spectacular finish to a flowing move from midfield that involved the fit-again Jordan Mintah and Yannick Tuason.
A stunning away win looked like it was on the cards for Kaya until the 87th minute when Homma sent in the cross that Sayfa headed home.