Kaya Makati Smash Five Past Davao Aguilas Amidst Electric Davao del Norte Atmosphere

Eric Giganto is back home.

Eric Giganto couldn't have asked for a better homecoming, as Kaya FC-Makati romped to a 5-1 victory over Davao Aguilas in the Philippines Football League this past Sunday. In front of thousands of spectators at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City, Kaya scored four goals in the second half, including one from Eric himself.

Jovin Bedic's brace, and goals from Alfred Osei, Giganto, and Kenshiro Daniels ensured Kaya will be flying back home with maximum points and spirits flying high.

The first half gave no indication of a one-sided score line, as the opening period finished 1-0. Bedic scored the lone goal in the 20th minute, firing in Robert Lopez Mendy's cross. The goal came against the run of play, as the hosts had back-to-back chances just a few minutes prior that drew a great save from Ref Cuaresma, as well as a crucial defensive block. The rest of the half saw Makati struggling to really create opportunities against a game Davao defense.

Shortly after the restart, Davao found an equalizer, as Nikola Grubjesic fired in a ball that was headed into his path off a free kick.

The game totally changed seven minutes later, though. A Jason Cordova studs up challenge towards Marwin Angeles resulted in the Davao skipper being immediately sent off. Fortunately for Kaya, the former Philippine international escaped serious injury.

The visitors made sure to full benefit from their personnel advantage, as Osei's diving header off a Miguel Tanton free kick restored the lead for Kaya. Bedic then made it 3-1 with a strong finish from a Daniels cut back.

Giganto would then get his long-awaited moment, scoring his first-ever goal in the PFL off an assist from Adam Reed to make it 4-1. Daniels capped off scoring in impressive fashion with a lovely free kick in injury time.

After the match, head coach Noel Marcaida highlighted that due to the Aguilas being a man down, "they started leaving a lot of space for us to operate. We exploited them every chance we could." He also added that "Davao really showed what they could do" during the first half.

Retaking fourth place in the PFL, they will have the chance to improve their standing in the league this Sunday, as they host JPV Marikina FC.

NOTE: Giganto is a native of Maco, Compostela Valley, and many of his family members and friends were at the game to finally watch him play.