Oj Porteria’s world class goal secured Kaya FC a vital 1-0 AFC Cup victory over New Radiant SC

Kaya FC  (Philippines)1: 0 New Radiant SC (Maldives)

AFC Cup 2016

Kaya FC dominated New Radiant SC across 90 minutes at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila in the AFC cup group stage first leg but only managed to score once, with Oj Porteria breaking the deadlock by converting the cross that came in from the right flank in the stoppage time.

The first half started with the home side dominating possession while New Radiant struggled with lack of confidence on the ball as the coach was showing his frustration from the technical line. Most of the play was in New Radiant half but, like the visitors, Kaya FC were unable to create any clear-cut chances.  

Kaya FC showed signs of purpose as they returned from half-time brightly and the noise inside the Rizal stadium rose. Several minutes later, it was the visitors that came close to scoring the first goal of the night as their cross went across Kaya 3 yard box without a touch. The missed chance from New Radiant sparked Kaya as they went searching for goals. Their task would have been far easier had they not thrown away 2 clear goal scoring chances in the 6 yard box as the free header was nodded over and the instant shot was fired over the bar too.

As we know that football is not over until it is actually over, New Radiant were already settling for a draw as the clock was ticking but were surprised to see the ball from Oj Porteria fly into their net in style in the stoppage time as the whole stadium rose to their feet in celebration while they went on the ground in disappointment. 

Our Positives

• -       The ability for Kaya to keep camp and maintain the ball possession until the goal finally came was a plus
• -       Alfred Osei’s work rate was domonant in the midfield in stopping New Radiant's build up and securing the back 4 even though most of his passes were not accurate.
•     The introduction of the No. 8 jersey player brought life into the team with his speed of play.

Our Negatives

• -       Kaya missed the physicality, speed and scoring ability of Robert Lopez Mendy as the attackers were struggling to keep up with the New Radiant 2 central defenders who were not good enough or were struggling.
• -       The speed of play around the box was slow and that helped the away side to settle and intercept passes.

It was a good and deserving win for Kaya FC but it was not a performance that could instill fear in the other fixtures left in the group.