Kaya set for Champions League test against laser-focused Yokohama side at home

After a tough 3-0 defeat away at Yokohama, Kaya FC-Iloilo is set to host the reigning Japanese champions Yokohama F. Marinos for their AFC Champions League group match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium tomorrow night.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kaya Futbol Club

Yokohama F. Marinos head coach Kevin Muscat quickly dismissed any notion of complacency on their end. Speaking about the race in Group G, he said, "It's not what I'm thinking about, we understand the difficulties... of tomorrow night, so that is our focus."

Muscat added, "The rest is not important. Next week, next game is not important. The only thing we're gonna affect is tomorrow, and that is our sole focus."

When asked about their approach in their away match against Kaya, Muscat recognized the threat that the Filipino side had in their prior outing, saying, "We will focus on ourselves... in being aggressive to attack at every opportunity."

Kaya FC-Iloilo head coach Colum Curtis was equally focused on their match against the Japanese side, saying "We're looking forward to testing ourselves again, against top-level opposition."

Curtis praised his players' performance and resolve the last time the two sides faced, noting that they held Yokohama scoreless in the first 35 minutes until a VAR decision upheld the hosts' opening goal.

Kaya defender Simone Rota noted the importance of the upcoming match, stating "For Philippine football, I think it's a pleasure to host a big team like that... last game in Yokohama, we communicated very well."

Both Curtis and Rota highlighted the growth in the team in their past matches. "Every game brought different challenges, three very, very strong teams... from a manager's perspective, week on week on week, yes (I am pleased)," said Curtis.

Rota said the team was eager to build on previous performances. "Each game is a chance to get better," said the veteran defender, who recently turned 39.

The reigning PFL champions are coming off of a 4-2 win over two legs in the semifinal of the Copa Paulino Alcantara, but are at the bottom of Group G in the AFC Champions League with no points and a -9 goal difference from their first three matches.

Yokohama F. Marinos, meanwhile, are in a three-way tie on points with Shandong Taishan and Incheon United, with at most two teams advancing to the Round of 16.

The match between Kaya and Yokohama will be played on November 7 at 8:00 PM (PHT), at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, with tickets sold at the venue on matchday.