Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 16, 2024 11:39 am GMT
In a thrilling match, Sydney FC showcased their resilience by coming back from an early setback to secure a 4-1 victory over FC Kaya Iloilo. This win maintained their unbeaten record in the AFC Champions League.
Excitement in Manila
Sydney FC faced tough conditions on Thursday night, battling both the synthetic turf and the intense humidity in Manila. Head Coach Ufuk Talay stated, “This is my first trip to the Philippines, and I’m very excited to be here. The warm welcome has been fantastic, and we’re looking forward to the game against Kaya.”
Talay emphasized that despite the challenges, his team would stick to their dynamic playing style. “Our goal is to return to Sydney with three points,” he added, highlighting the importance of staying focused. Defender Jordan Courtney-Perkins echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’m very eager to get started… Our opening game in the Asian Champions League was a great start, and we want to build on that against Kaya here in Manila.”
First Half Setback
The match began with an unexpected twist as Kaya FC scored within the first three minutes. Daizo Horikoshi found the back of the net, putting Sydney FC on the back foot early. However, they did not lose hope. Just before the half-hour mark, Joe Lolley leveled the score with a well-placed shot, reigniting Sydney’s hopes.
Key Performers Shine
The second half was where Sydney FC truly came alive. New signing Patryk Klimala, a former star at Celtic, scored two goals, both assisted by fellow newcomers Douglas Costa and Anas Ouahim. Klimala’s performance was critical to the team’s success, marking his first goals in competitive matches for Sydney.
Just to seal the victory, substitute Nathan Amanatidis scored the final goal, bringing the score to 4-1. Coach Talay noted, “Kaya is a good side, and we’ve analyzed their play. However, our main priority is to perform at our best. If we can do that, we should achieve the result we want.”
Moving Forward
Sydney FC is keen to build on this successful performance. With their next match in the tournament, they are confident of continuing their positive momentum. Talay mentioned the importance of adapting to the conditions, saying, “Playing on synthetic turf is an adjustment for us, but we have confidence in our squad and the quality we can bring to the pitch.”
The team will look to maintain this momentum as they prepare for future matches, fully aware of the challenge that awaits them. With experienced players like Klimala and strong support from the coaching staff, Sydney FC aims to make a deep run in the AFC Champions League.
Match Highlights
- Match Result: Sydney FC 4 – 1 FC Kaya Iloilo
- Goals:
- Daizo Horikoshi (Kaya FC) – 3rd minute
- Joe Lolley (Sydney FC) – 30th minute
- Patryk Klimala (Sydney FC) – 2 goals in the second half
- Nathan Amanatidis (Sydney FC) – Closing goal
- Next Match: Sydney FC vs. FC Kaya Iloilo – 8pm AEST on 10Play
Conclusion
Sydney FC showed their strength and determination with a great comeback in Manila. The new players really stepped up, and the team stayed focused on their game plan. As they get ready for their next match, Sydney FC fans can expect more exciting soccer to come!
