Alfred Osei Hands Kaya FC–Iloilo Vital Win over JPV Marikina
September 19, 2018; Manila — Kaya FC–Iloilo made it two wins out of two in the Copa Paulino Alcantara on Saturday, downing JPV Marikina 1-0 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Alfred Osei’s second half goal was enough to take all three points and give Kaya an opportunity to seal top spot in Group B on Sunday.
Iloilo’s latest victory made it six consecutive wins over Marikina in 2018, but the triumph was far from straightforward. JPV could’ve very easily been ahead early in the game had it not been for two important saves from Ace Villanueva. That served as a wake up call for Kaya. Not long after, Robert Lopez Mendy and Alfred Osei both had serious cases for penalties turned down.
First, Nelson Gasic collided with Robert as the Senegalese striker was about to latch on to a goal scoring opportunity inside the JPV box. Later, Lopez Mendy from inside the box, played Alfred into a shooting position, but the Ghanaian was denied by a challenge that looked to have missed the ball. Appeals for a penalty were in vain.
As the half wore on, Kaya managed to dictate possession and tempo, while Marikina threatened on the counter in what was an open and rather even contest. The second half proved more of the same, except Iloilo were getting more chances to threaten Gasic’s goal. Lopez Mendy looked to have opened the scoring just after the hour mark, but the flag was raised before he could smash the ball into the net.
Frustration was starting to build for Kaya, and when Osei’s back heel attempt from Mike Menzi’s low cross bounced tamely into the hands of Nelson, there was a creeping sense that a goal would remain elusive. But with 15 minutes remaining, Robert’s incessant pressure paid off in a big way.
Marikina’s Lemuel Unabia was attempting to usher a ball out for a goal kick, but was called for a foul in his attempt to keep Lopez Mendy away. From the resulting free kick, the ball bounced kindly inside the box for Alfred Osei, who swiveled and fired it into the top corner.
“It was a really tough match. I would say JPV played an attacking-oriented game. I think we played well throughout 90 minutes, it’s just that we couldn’t get our finishing in the final third. We were able to control the midfield, get to the penetration area, but for the team to win games, we need to get shots on goal. We had shots, but we only had two or three on target. That’s something we have to work on,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida after the game.
“We didn’t expect an easy game. We’ve played JPV six times [now] and we never expect an easy game. We really respect them, they’re a really good side. We knew it was going to be difficult,” said Man of the Match Osei.
“When the ball came in, I think I missed the first header. I should’ve scored that one. An opportunity with the back facing goal — it’s kind of a difficult finish — but you can hear some of my teammates, like Jovin saying, ’take it, take it.’ So for me it’s a team goal, not an individual goal. They encouraged me, so I didn’t even look at the goal, I just turned and took it,” he added.
With the win, Kaya FC–Iloilo moved to six points in Group B, three ahead of JPV Marikina. Kaya return to action on Sunday, September 23, 7pm, against Global Cebu, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. A victory in that match will see Kaya Iloilo secure top spot in the group, subsequently guaranteeing a semifinal match at the Iloilo Sports Complex against Group A’s runners-up.
