MANILA – Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo made a quick start to easily pounce Mendiola 1991 FC, 5-1, in the 2019 Philippines Football League yesterday at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa, Batangas.
Jordan Mintah finished with four goals while Masanari Omura added another one.
The Ilonggos bounced back from a scoreless draw with Mendiola a week ago.
Mintah surged Kaya Iloilo ahead, 1-0, in the 15th minute from a pass by Ilonggo Shirmar Felongco. He quickly doubled the advantage four minutes later on a feed by Negrense Jalsor Soriano.
Ricardo Sendra was able to pull one back for Mendiola just before the halftime break but Mintah restored the two-goal edge for Kaya Iloilo with a conversion at the 52nd minute.
Omura added to Kaya Iloilo’s lead at the 66th minute with a header from a corner kick before Mintah converted a penalty kick 11 minutes later after his teammate Yannick Tuazon was fouled.
“Physically, the camp is okay, but it’s more of a mental challenge now. Everyone knows the importance of getting the three points, as we need to get a firm hold on the second spot in the league,” said Kaya Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida.
With the victory, Kaya Iloilo remained at second place with 50 points, on 16 wins, two draws and three defeats.
Mendiola is still at fifth spot with 17 points on four wins, five draws and 11 losses./PN
