Kaya-Iloilo is the PFF Women’s League champion. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Kaya-Iloilo captured the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Women’s League title following a 1-0 win over Manila Digger on Sheen Nicole Ramores’ late goal in Saturday’s final held at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Ramores struck the winner in the 86th minute, enough to propel Kaya to its first league crown and atone for the disappointment of last year’s shock semifinal exit in the PFF Women’s Cup.
The victory completed a successful league campaign that saw the squad handled by former national coach Let Dimzon and captained by Filipinas defender Hali Long top the single-round eliminations before ousting three-time holders La Salle in the semis.
WATCH: Kaya-Iloilo celebrates after capturing the PFF Women’s League crown with a 1-0 win over Manila Digger in the final held at Rizal Memorial Stadium. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/X5vGWAw2lG
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 11, 2023
Extra time loomed after Kaya missed countless attempts, including a penalty by Cam Rodriguez which was saved by Manila Digger goalkeeper Ayishatu Simpson.
Manila Digger kept making Kaya desperate despite being reduced to 10 players after Hannah Pachejo was sent off in the first half.
But Kaya found the break when a shot by Sara Castaneda was blocked, resulting in Ramores finding some space to beat the Ghanaian keeper for the only goal of the final.
Manila Digger settled for a runner-up finish in its maiden appearance in the Women’s League, which returned after a three-year absence due to the pandemic.
UAAP champion Far Eastern University claimed a 2-1 win over La Salle in the earlier match for third place.