Kaya FC-Iloilo have won the 2024 Philippines Football League after edging out Davao Aguilas-UMak 1-0 on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, with Jarvey Gayoso netting home the winning goal from the spot in his final match for the club.
The three points capped off a very dominant season for the Visayas-based club, who have won 12 and drew only one of their 13 matches so far. And with closest challengers Dynamic Herb Cebu going down 2-1 to Stallion Laguna on Saturday, Kaya are assured of defending their Philippines Football League crown that they have held since last season.
The winning goal was scored in the 18th minute after Kaya were awarded with a penalty following a foul within the box on Gayoso himself by Davao defender Reynald Villareal. Gayoso, who was linked with a move to Cambodian Premier League giants Phnom Penh Crown, took it upon himself to fire home the penalty, slotting the ball past Dini Ouattara in the Davao goal.
Ibrahima Ndour thought that he had salvaged a point for Davao late on in the game, however his 83rd minute attempt was thwarted by Kaya goalkeeper Walid Birrou, allowing Yu Hoshide’s men to secure their second consecutive league title.
As winners and runners-up of the 2024 Philippines Football League, both Kaya and Cebu will once again represent the Philippines in continental competitions, with the two teams set to participate in the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Two.