Asia AFC Cup

Sanfrecce Saw-Off Kaya Challenge with Ease

Sanfrecce Hiroshima delivered a dominant performance, defeating Philippine champions Kaya FC-Iloilo 3-0 in their 2024/25 AFC Champions League Two Group E match on Thursday.

Sanfrecce, who finished third in last season’s J.League 1 to earn their ticket into the competition, controlled the match from the outset, but despite their early dominance, Kaya’s disciplined defense limited them to half-chances. Yoshifumi Kashiwa, Makoto Mitsuta, and Aren Inoue all attempted shots but were unable to trouble Kaya goalkeeper Patrick Deyto.

However, Sanfrecce eventually broke through eight minutes before halftime when Mitsuta set up Douglas Vieira to side-foot the ball into the bottom corner. After the break, substitute Goncalo Pacienca doubled Sanfrecce’s lead in the 54th minute with a powerful strike from close range.

Mitsuta then provided his second assist of the game, delivering a pinpoint cross in the 64th minute for Osamu Henry Iyoha to head home, making it 3-0.