PSM Makassar vs Kaya FC-Iloilo. Photo from AFC Cup
BACOLOD CITY – Indonesian side PSM Makassar put a dent on Kaya Iloilo’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the AFC Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory last Wednesday at Panaad Stadium here.
Quickfire goals from Rizky Pellu and Finnish striker Eero Markannen in the first enough proved enough for PSM to come away with a vital away victory for top spot in Group H.
Not even a late penalty kick from Joven Bedic could turn Kaya’s fortunes around as the Iloilo side dropped to second with five points after suffering its first loss in this year’s competition.
Kaya would need to win its last two matches – at home against Lao Toyota and away against Home United of Singapore – and hope that PSM drops enough points in its last two matches for the Iloilo side to claim top spot in the group.
FULL-TIME | Kaya FC-Iloilo (PHI) 1-2 PSM Makassar (IDN)
@PSM_Makassar held on for an away win that opens up a 3 point lead over @KayaFC at the top of Group H after both sides finished with 10 men! 🔴 🔴#KAYvPSM #AFCCup2019 pic.twitter.com/YXmWdJUGax— AFC Cup (@AFCCup) April 17, 2019
The visitors started brightly under searing conditions with Dutch midfielder Willem Pluim finding Rizky for a close range header in the 21st minute. Three minutes later, the 6-foot-8 Markannen, the older brother of Chicago Bulls forwaes Lauri Markannen, bullied his way into the area before beating Michael Casas with a close range effort.
Both teams ended the match with 10 men with PSM defender Abdul Rahman sent off for a second yellow in the 52nd minute. Kaya however failed to capitalize with PSM goalkeeper Rivky Mokodompit in fine form.
The frustration boiled over in the 88th minute as Kaya defender Jalsor Soriano was caught kicking Marc Klok in an off the ball incident. Soriano was also sent off.