Kaya FC draws blank vs Sydney FC in 2022 AFC Champions League qualifier

The Philippines' Kaya FC formally bid goodbye to its dreams of qualifying to the 2022 AFC Champions League after bowing to Sydney FC, 5-0, in the preliminary play-off on Tuesday in Australia.

Trent Buhagiar converted the breakthrough goal in the 30th minute before Brazilian striker Bobo went for another goal at the 47th mark followed by a penalty kick in the 49th minute.

Putting the icing on the cake was Adam Le Fondre of England, who was successful on his kicks at the 71st and 81st minutes as Sydney virtually sealed the deal against the FIlipinos.

The loss took away Kaya FC's chances of qualifying to the prestigious tournament for second time in a row after they had seen action in the 2021 edition, where they went winless in group stage.

In the previous edition, Kaya FC fell to Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea, BG Pathum United of host Thailand, and Viettel FC of Vietnam.

The reigning Copa Paulino Alcantara titlist, though, will still compete in the 2022 AFC Cup where it is grouped with Bali United of host Indonesia, Kedah Darul Aman of Malaysia, and Visakha FC of Cambodia in Group G.

—JMB, GMA News