Kaya FC–Iloilo Roll Past Global Cebu with First Half Blitz
PHILIPPINES FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Kaya FC–Iloilo 5-1 Global Cebu FC
Aboitiz Pitch, Lipa, Batangas
Kaya FC–Iloilo made light work of Global Cebu on Saturday evening at the Aboitiz Pitch, running out 5-1 winners to make it five-straight victories in the 2019 Philippines Football League. Jordan Mintah powered the hosts with a first-half hat-trick, while Darryl Roberts and Alfred Osei provided the other goals.
Mintah opened the scoring from the penalty spot less than 10 minutes in. After being bundled over inside the box, the Ghanaian forward stepped up himself to bury the spot kick. Five minutes later, Darryl Roberts cut in from the left flank and doubled the advantage with a wicked rocket that nestled into the top left corner.
A defensive error gifted Mintah with an easy finish at the half hour mark, before wrapping up his hat-trick just moments later. Alfred Osei headed in from a corner kick to make it five before the half was through.
The second half saw Kaya dominate possession and create plenty of opportunities, but fail to add to their tally. Instead, Global found a way through. Capitalizing on a missed clearance by Camelo Tacusalme, Paolo Salenga blasted in a consolation with 27 minutes remaining.
“I told my players I needed improvement from the first two meetings with Global. They responded really well in the first half. The movement of the players and the ball movement was really great. We were really dangerous when we regained possession, and we played the ball forward quickly. We created lots of chances and scored five. It’s a fifth consecutive win, but unfortunately, no more clean sheet streak,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida. “The way we conceded, it simply can’t happen on the 18th, when we met Ceres. One lapse of concentration like that could cost us dearly. If we want to win against Ceres, we have to be consistent from the first to the last whistle.”
Kaya take on the two-time defending PFL champions on September 18, in a crucial clash between the top two sides in the standings. With two losses to Negros already this season, Iloilo are eager to get one over their familiar rival to stay in contention for top spot.
