2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara

The 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara was the fifth edition of the Copa Paulino Alcantara, the domestic football cup competition of the Philippines. The 2023 edition marks the second time that the cup includes non-PFL teams, with the first being the inclusion of the Philippines U22 as a guest team in 2019.[3][4]

2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara
Tournament details
CountryPhilippines
DatesJuly 15[1] – December 9[2]
Teams17
Defending championsUnited City
Final positions
ChampionsKaya–Iloilo (3rd title)
Tournament statistics
Matches played53
Goals scored226 (4.26 per match)
Top goal scorer(s)Abou Sy
(10 goals)
← 2022
2024 →

Scheduling

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The league is set to begin on July 15, 2023.[2] Prior to 2023, the typical schedule would see the Copa being played after the conclusion of that year's Philippines Football League season, with the league shifting to an inter-year format.[5]

On June 17, the PFL confirmed the venues for the competition, namely Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, University of Makati Stadium in Makati, and Biñan Football Stadium in Biñan, Laguna, marking the competition's first time to do so since the 2019 edition, as the other two were primarily held in the PFF National Training Center due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1]

Participating teams

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Seventeen teams entered the 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara.[6] All seven clubs of the ongoing Philippines Football League were expected to participate.[7] Before the resumption of the PFL season, United City withdrew from the season in February 2023.[8] The Azkals Development Team also withdrew prior to the end of the season.

Philippines Football League
5 teams from the 2022–23 season
Former PFL teams
3 teams
University Athletic Association of the Philippines
3 teams
Other guest teams
6 teams

Format

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Competition

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The PFL confirmed the participation of 17 teams just before the draw on June 17, 2023, the most in the competition's history. The 17 teams would be split into three groups (two groups of six and one group of five) with clubs from three pots. The format of the group stage would see teams play a single round robin just as in previous editions, before the group winners and runners-up, as well as the two best third-placers, qualify for the knockout stage.

The knockout stage of the 2023 edition comprises the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. The quarterfinals and semifinals would be two-legged, marking a difference from the previous editions, while the final would be held over a single match. The league had also established beforehand which teams would play each other based on the positions they finished in, eliminating the need for a knockout stage draw. The quarterfinals would see 1st place in group A taking on the 2nd-best third-placed team, the 1st place of group B taking on the best third-placed team, 1st place in group C taking on 2nd place of group B, and the 2nd-placed teams in group A and C facing off.[9]

Draw

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The group stage draw took place on June 17, 2023, with 17 teams confirmed to be competing from the 20-team shortlist. The 5 teams from the Philippines Football League were pre-allocated slots in the three groups, while the other 12 teams were separated into three pots. Pot 1 contained the amateur teams, including youth teams Tuloy and Don Bosco Garelli, former PFL club Loyola (then known as Meralco Manila), 7's Football League clubs Manila Digger and Pilipinas Dragons, as well as newly established Inter Manila (renamed CF Manila after the draw). Pot 2 contained teams from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, with only three - Adamson University, Far Eastern University, and University of the Philippines - comprising the final participants. Pot 3 contained the teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, with former PFL club and UFL champions Philippine Air Force and once-UFL third placers Philippine Army competing.[9] The pots are shown below:

Bye (seeded teams) Pot 1 Pot 2 Pot 3

Dynamic Herb Cebu
Kaya–Iloilo
Maharlika Manila
Mendiola 1991
Stallion Laguna

Davao Aguilas
Don Bosco Garelli
Inter Manila[a]
Loyola
Manila Digger
Pilipinas Dragons
Tuloy

Adamson University
Far Eastern University
University of the Philippines

Philippine Air Force
Philippine Army

Group stage

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Key to colours in group tables
Advancing to the knockout stage
Possible knockout stage

Group A

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Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification KAY CFM PAF FEU LOY GAR
1 Kaya–Iloilo 5 5 0 0 40 2 +38 15 Quarter-finals 8–0 9–1 11–0
2 CF Manila 5 3 1 1 9 12 −3 10 3–1 3–2
3 Philippine Air Force 5 2 1 2 8 14 −6 7 2–2 3–0
4 Far Eastern University 5 1 3 1 10 10 0 6 1–5 1–1 4–0
5 Loyola 5 1 1 3 8 15 −7 4 0–7 0–2 2–2
6 Don Bosco Garelli 5 0 0 5 3 25 −22 0 0–1 1–6
Source: [1]
July 15, 2023 (2023-07-15) 1 Don Bosco Garelli 0–1 Philippine Air Force Manila
16:00 UTC+8
  • Poderoso   46'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Mick Jon Pineda
July 16, 2023 (2023-07-16) 2 Loyola 0–2 CF Manila Manila
18:30 UTC+8
  • Umilin   75'
  • Panotes   82'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Meliton Pelayo
July 22, 2023 (2023-07-22) 3 Loyola 2–2 Far Eastern University Manila
18:30 UTC+8
  • Montelibano   58'
  • Baña   63'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: John Mike Basinang
July 23, 2023 (2023-07-23) 4 CF Manila 3–2 Don Bosco Garelli Manila
16:00 UTC+8
  • Almohjili   10' (pen.)
  • Locsin   34'
  • Ali   41'
  • Bedia   13'
  • Dela Cruz   82'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Krizmark Nanola
July 31, 2023 (2023-07-31) 5 Philippine Air Force 3–0 Loyola Manila
17:00 UTC+8
  • Ja. Delariarte   21'
  • Je. Delariarte   28', 90+5'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: John Mike Basinang
August 5, 2023 (2023-08-05) 6 Don Bosco Garelli 1–6 Loyola Manila
16:00 UTC+8
  • Mahinay   28'
  • Baña   13'
  • Montelibano   29', 60', 75' (pen.)
  • Anoh   82', 89'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Clifford Daypuyat
August 6, 2023 (2023-08-06) 7 CF Manila 3–1 Philippine Air Force Manila
18:30 UTC+8
  • Albor   9'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Mick Jon Pineda
August 9, 2023 (2023-08-09) 8 Far Eastern University 1–1 CF Manila Manila
20:00 UTC+8
  • Basindahan   1'
  • Alon   90+5'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
August 12, 2023 (2023-08-12) 9 Loyola 0–7 Kaya–Iloilo Manila
18:30 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Michael Barajas
August 13, 2023 (2023-08-13) 10 Far Eastern University 4–0 Don Bosco Garelli Manila
20:00 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
August 19, 2023 (2023-08-19) 11 Kaya–Iloilo 11–0 Don Bosco Garelli Manila
16:00 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Mick Jon Pineda
August 26, 2023 (2023-08-26) 12 Kaya–Iloilo 9–1 Philippine Air Force Manila
17:30 UTC+8
  • Ja. Delariarte   85'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Rodney Leyble
September 2, 2023 (2023-09-02) 13 Philippine Air Force 2–2 Far Eastern University Manila
16:00 UTC+8
  • Ja. Delariarte   85' (pen.), 90+2'
  • Basindanan   5'
  • Pescadera   60'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
September 3, 2023 (2023-09-03) 14 Kaya–Iloilo 8–0 CF Manila Manila
18:30 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Mick Jon Pineda
September 23, 2023 (2023-09-23) 15 Far Eastern University 1–5 Kaya–Iloilo Manila
16:00 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium

Group B

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Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification CEB MAH UPH DRA DIG
1 Dynamic Herb Cebu 4 4 0 0 16 3 +13 12 Quarter-finals 2–1 2–0
2 Maharlika Manila 4 2 1 1 5 3 +2 7 1–0 1–1
3 University of the Philippines 4 2 0 2 6 5 +1 6 2–1 4–1
4 Pilipinas Dragons 4 1 0 3 3 12 −9 3 1–8 0–2
5 Manila Digger 4 0 1 3 3 10 −7 1 1–4 0–1
Source: [1]
July 22, 2023 (2023-07-22) 1 University of the Philippines 4–1 Manila Digger Manila
18:30 UTC+8
  • Fornis   4'
  • Galsim   37'
  • Tidor   82'
  • Tacardon   85' (pen.)
  • Cauyong   45+1' (pen.)
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Michael Barajas
August 6, 2023 (2023-08-06) 2 Manila Digger 0–1 Pilipinas Dragons Manila
16:00 UTC+8
  • Gonzales   21'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: John Mike Basinang
August 9, 2023 (2023-08-09) 3 University of the Philippines 2–1 Pilipinas Dragons Manila
17:00 UTC+8
  • Bation   31'
  • Tobias   90+1'
  • Caraig   25'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Mick Jon Pineda
August 12, 2023 (2023-08-12) 4 Maharlika Manila 1–1 Manila Digger Manila
16:00 UTC+8
  • Azares   39'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Samuel Mendoza
August 20, 2023 (2023-08-20) 5 Dynamic Herb Cebu 2–0 University of the Philippines Talisay
15:00 UTC+8
Stadium: Dynamic Herb Sports Complex
Referee: Lindon Talaver
August 20, 2023 (2023-08-20) 6 Pilipinas Dragons 0–2 Maharlika Manila Manila
17:00 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
August 27, 2023 (2023-08-27) 7 Manila Digger 1–4 Dynamic Herb Cebu Manila
16:00 UTC+8
  • Stuart   90+4'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: John Mike Basinang
August 27, 2023 (2023-08-27) 8 Maharlika Manila 1–0 University of the Philippines Manila
18:30 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Clifford Daypuyat
September 3, 2023 (2023-09-03) 9 Pilipinas Dragons 1–8 Dynamic Herb Cebu Manila
16:00 UTC+8
  • Milo   12'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Clifford Daypuyat
September 9, 2023 (2023-09-09) 10 Dynamic Herb Cebu 2–1 Maharlika Manila Manila
18:30 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Meliton Pelayo

Group C

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Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification STA DAV MEN TLY PAR ADU
1 Stallion Laguna 5 4 0 1 28 4 +24 12 Quarter-finals 0–1 9–1 6–1
2 Davao Aguilas 5 3 1 1 14 10 +4 10 0–4 3–3 2–0
3 Mendiola 1991 5 2 3 0 10 8 +2 9 4–4 1–0
4 Tuloy 5 2 1 2 11 20 −9 7 0–5 3–2
5 Philippine Army 5 1 0 4 9 15 −6 3 3–4 3–1
6 Adamson University 5 0 1 4 3 18 −15 1 1–9 1–1 0–3
Source: [1]
July 15, 2023 (2023-07-15) 1 Tuloy 3–2 Philippine Army Manila
18:30 UTC+8
  • Sajor   14', 47'
  • Demate   88'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Krizmark Nañola
July 16, 2023 (2023-07-16) 2 Davao Aguilas 2–0 Adamson University Manila
16:00 UTC+8
  • Kaole   58'
  • Cielo   73'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Mick Jon Pineda
July 23, 2023 (2023-07-23) 3 Tuloy 0–5 Davao Aguilas Manila
18:30 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
July 29, 2023 (2023-07-29) 4 Philippine Army 3–4 Davao Aguilas Makati
15:00 UTC+8
Stadium: University of Makati Stadium
Referee: Krizmark Nañola
July 29, 2023 (2023-07-29) 5 Adamson University 0–3 Tuloy Manila
17:15 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Meliton Pelayo
August 5, 2023 (2023-08-05) 6 Philippine Army 3–1 Adamson University Manila
18:30 UTC+8
  • Ariola   7'
  • Gatinao   26'
  • Becite   58'
  • Francisco   36'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Samuel Mendoza
August 12, 2023 (2023-08-12) 7 Davao Aguilas 3–3 Mendiola 1991 Manila
20:00 UTC+8
  • Abalos   17'
  • Rozal   35'
  • Rasonable   84'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Clifford Daypuyat
August 13, 2023 (2023-08-13) 8 Stallion Laguna 6–1 Philippine Army Manila
16:00 UTC+8
  • Ariola   65'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Mick Jon Pineda
August 19, 2023 (2023-08-19) 9 Adamson University 1–1 Mendiola 1991 Makati
18:00 UTC+8
  • Buenaobra   85'
Stadium: University of Makati Stadium
Referee: Meliton Pelayo
August 26, 2023 (2023-08-26) 10 Mendiola 1991 1–0 Philippine Army Manila
15:00 UTC+8
  • Sison   77'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Mick Jon Pineda
August 26, 2023 (2023-08-26) 11 Davao Aguilas 0–4 Stallion Laguna Makati
20:00 UTC+8
Stadium: University of Makati Stadium
August 30, 2023 (2023-08-30) 10 Stallion Laguna 9–1 Tuloy Manila
16:00 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Meliton Pelayo
September 2, 2023 (2023-09-02) 13 Mendiola 1991 4–4 Tuloy Manila
16:00 UTC+8
  • Jalique   4', 54', 80'
  • Grizola   8'
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Attendance: John Mike Basinang
September 9, 2023 (2023-09-09) 14 Stallion Laguna 0–1 Mendiola 1991 Manila
18:30 UTC+8
Stadium: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: John Mike Basinang
September 24, 2023 (2023-09-24) 15 Adamson University 1–9 Stallion Laguna Biñan
16:00 UTC+8
  • Villanueva   50'
Stadium: Biñan Football Stadium

Ranking of third-placed teams

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The two best third-placed teams from the three groups advance to the knockout stage along with the three group winners and runners-up. Due to Group B only having 5 teams, results against the last-placed team in Groups A and C will not be counted when determining the ranking of runners-up.

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Mendiola 1991 4 2 2 0 9 7 +2 8 Advance to Quarter-finals
2 University of the Philippines 4 2 0 2 6 5 +1 6
3 Philippine Air Force 4 1 1 2 7 14 −7 4
Source: [citation needed]

Knockout stage

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The teams that qualify for the knock-out stage are allocated a spot based on their position within the group and as a third placer, as determined by the draw on June 17.[1][9] A third place match was supposed to be held on the same day as the final, but was later cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.[10]

Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final
          
Kaya–Iloilo 3 8 11
UP 0 0 0
Kaya–Iloilo 2 2 4
Stallion Laguna 1 1 2
Stallion Laguna 5 4 9
Maharlika Manila 0 0 0
Kaya–Iloilo 1(4)
Davao Aguilas 1(3)
Dynamic Herb Cebu 2 4 6
Mendiola 1991 0 1 1
Dynamic Herb Cebu 0 1 1
Davao Aguilas 1 1 2
CF Manila 0 0 0
Davao Aguilas 1 1 2

Quarter-finals

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The first quarter-final legs were played on September 29 and 30, with the second legs played on October 8 and 9.[11]

Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Kaya–Iloilo 11–0 University of the Philippines 3–0 8–0
Stallion Laguna 9–0 Maharlika Manila 5–0 4–0
Dynamic Herb Cebu 6–1 Mendiola 1991 2–0 4–1
CF Manila 0–2 Davao Aguilas 0–1 0–1

Semi-finals

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The first semi-final legs were played on October 19 while the second legs were played on November 3.[11]

Team 1 Agg.Tooltip Aggregate score Team 2 1st leg 2nd leg
Kaya–Iloilo 4–2 Stallion Laguna 2–1 2–1
Dynamic Herb Cebu 1–2 Davao Aguilas 0–1 1–1

Final

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The 2023 final was played on 9 December at Rizal Memorial Stadium, the site of the 2018 final.[11]

Kaya–Iloilo1–1 (a.e.t.)Davao Aguilas
Penalties
4–3
Attendance: 1,107
Referee: Mick Jon Pineda

Top scorers

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  Team eliminated / inactive for this round.
Rank Player Team MD1 MD2 MD3 MD4 MD5 QF1 QF2 SF1 SF2   F   Total
1   Abou Sy Kaya–Iloilo 1 2 2 1 2 2 10
2   Yuta Nomura Stallion Laguna 3 3 1 1 8
3   Arnel Amita Kaya–Iloilo 1 1 2 1 1 6
  Justin Baas Kaya–Iloilo 2 1 1 1 1
  Arda Çınkır Dynamic Herb Cebu 1 1 1 1 2
  Daizo Horikoshi Kaya–Iloilo 2 2 2
  Griffin McDaniel Stallion Laguna 3 1 2
  Ricardo Sendra Kaya–Iloilo 1 2 1 1 1
  Yannick Tuason Davao Aguilas 2 1 2 1
10   Jarvey Gayoso Kaya–Iloilo 2 1 2 5
  Cristian Ivanobski Stallion Laguna 1 2 2
  John Lloyd Jalique Tuloy 1 1 3
  Chima Uzoka Dynamic Herb Cebu 2 2 1

Awards

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Award Winner Club
Golden Ball   Daizo Horikoshi Kaya–Iloilo
Golden Boot   Abou Sy Kaya–Iloilo
Golden Glove   Quincy Kammeraad Kaya–Iloilo
Best Defender   Simone Rota Kaya–Iloilo
Best Midfielder   Paolo Bugas Davao Aguilas

Source: [12][13]

Notes

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  1. ^ Renamed CF Manila after the draw

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Expanded 17-team Copa Paulino Alcantara to start 15 July". Philippines Football League. June 17, 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "PFL Comm'r Torre aims league growth with expanded Copa". Dugout Philippines. June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  3. ^ Cabanlong, Xy-Zha (October 21, 2019). "7 teams including Azkals U22 team to compete for the Copa Paulino Alcantara 2019". Dugout Philippines. Retrieved January 10, 2023.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Schrock may join PH team to SEA Games". Tempo. October 17, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  5. ^ "Philippines Football League Season 2022-2023 kicks off". Philippines Football League. August 5, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  6. ^ "17 teams to compete in rejigged Copa Paulino Alcantara". CNN Philippines. July 14, 2023. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  7. ^ "Return of PFF domestic football competitions". Philippine Football Federation. December 30, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  8. ^ del Carmen, Lorenzo (February 16, 2023). "United City pulls out of PFL due to investor issues". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved February 16, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c Copa Paulino Alcantara 2023 - Draw Ceremony. Philippines Football league. June 17, 2023. Archived from the original on June 17, 2023 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ "Tomorrow is the day!". Twitter. Philippines Football League. December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  11. ^ a b c "Want to know the upcoming matches? We've got you covered with the full fixtures until December!". Twitter. Philippines Football League. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  12. ^ Morilla, Juro (December 11, 2023). "Kaya FC coach Curtis puts Copa crown on top of career feats". Rappler. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  13. ^ "Congratulations to our individual awardees!". Facebook. Philippines Football League. December 11, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2024.