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| c/o the Philippine Football Federation |
Kaya FC-Iloilo became the first club team to win the PFF Women's League sponsored by Coca-Cola Philippines on Saturday night, pulling off a 1-0 victory over Manila Digger FC at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
The lone goal of the match came in the 86th minute, as Sheen Nicole Ramores scored the game-winner after Sara Castañeda created the opportunity for Ramores with the former DLSU maestro's attempt initially denied by the back line.
Sara found the UST alumna unmarked in the box, with Nicole sending a low strike past Ayishatu Simpson.
The match changed after Hannah Pachejo was sent off after being booked twice in a span of three minutes, with the second yellow card being issued in the 26th minute.
In spite of the personnel disadvantage, Manila Digger managed to hold firm with a scoreless first half.
Kaya FC earned a penalty after Camille Rodriguez was fouled inside the area, but the Ateneo alumna was denied by Simpson in the 54th minute.
It is another title in a stellar year for head coach Let Dimzon, who also helmed Far Eastern University as they reclaimed the women's football title earlier this year in the UAAP Season 85 tournament.
She shared with the media afterwards, "I’m happy for Kaya, it’s another historic achievement for the club. We’re the first club to win the PFF Women’s League and it is a huge honor for us to get this title."
Shelah Cadag, who was selected as the league's Most Valuable Player, adds, "All our hard work and sacrifice paid off with this win. We did our best and we thank everyone who supported us. It was a good game because we fought hard until the end."
Cadag was unable to add onto her tally of twelve goals on Saturday night, but she did put the Manila Digger defense to the test with her scoring opportunities.
Dimzon also remains hopeful as well that the league will resume with additional stakeholders making investments in the sport.
Coca-Cola Philippines president Tony del Rosario was among those who were present for the occasion, highlighting the commitment the brand has for the sport. During the run of the Philippines in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, it was made public that Coca-Cola highlighted such commitment to women's football in the country by taking up sponsorship of the PFF Women's League.
Other notable executives present for the final are Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta, as well as newly-minted General Secretary Mikhail Torre, Philippine Women's National Team manager Jeff Cheng, and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Lady Tamaraws pulled off a repeat against the defending champions De La Salle University. Having dethroned them last May for the UAAP title and completing the treble for the Morayta-based institution, they also pulled off a 2-1 triumph in the third place game.
Dionesa Tolentin scored the game-winner in the 53rd minute, a few minutes after Angelica Teves scored the equalizer early in the second half. Carmela Altiche had scored the opening goal of the match.
Teves would finish as the co-Golden Boot winners with Isabella Bandoja of Tuloy FC as both players netted nineteen goals this season, with Simpson not coming home empty handed by being named as the Golden Glove awardee.
Named as the best of their respective positions are defender Jonela Albiño of FEU and midfielder Charisa Lemoran of Kaya.
Capping off the list of winners is Nomads FC with their Fair Play Award.
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