CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines-Kaya-Iloilo preserved its slim lead over Dynamic Herb Cebu in the title race of the Philippines Football League after the two sides battled to a 1-1 draw on Sunday before the latter’s home turf in Talisay City, Cebu.
Daizo Horikoshi’s early opener was canceled out by a Jacob Liao equalizer in the first half, but the scoreline stood until the final whistle that forced Kaya and Cebu to share the spoils at Dynamic Herb Sports Complex.
The result after the latest chapter of the regional derby dubbed as “Visayas Clasico” saw Kaya hold control of its destiny with just four games left in the league season.
Kaya has 46 points in 19 matches to remain two clear of Cebu, which also has the same amount of games.
Only a slip-up will deny Kaya a chance to capture a first-ever league title and a berth to the AFC Champions League, Asia’s top-tier competition.
Horikoshi extended his hold on top of the goalscoring tally after tapping the ball from close range from Mar Diano’s low cross seven minutes after kickoff.
It was the 14th goal of the season for the Japanese talisman.
But the lead lasted just 10 minutes after Cebu drew level much to the delight of the crowd when Liao scored off JB Borlongan’s free kick.