MANILA – Kenshiro Daniels’ first half conversion lifted Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo to a 1-0 escape over Azkals Developmental Team in the 2020 Philippines Football League at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite on Saturday night.
The 25-year-old Daniels found the perfect opportunity as he netted the go-ahead goal past the defense of Azkals Developmental’s goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad.
Kaya-Iloilo had a golden chance to widen the lead, but Ilonggo Jovin Bedic misfired his attempt while Azkals’ Yrick Gallantes wasted an opportunity to tie the match as his try was defended by Kaya keeper Louie Casas.
It was the second consecutive win for Kaya-Iloilo for six-points, tying defending champions United City Football Club, which came from a 6-0 triumph over Mendiola 1991 FC.
Bienvenido Marañón fired a hat trick, Robert Lopez Mendy added two goals while Mike Ott drained his second goal of the season as the defending champions moved to solo first place with six points on two victories.
Marañón set the tone early for United City with his 12th minute header from a free kick by Stephan Schrock. The Spanish striker got the double after volleying a deflected cross at the 25th minute.
Lopez Mendy added to United City’s goal total at the 38th minute mark by heading a cross delivered by Hikaru Minegishi. Marañón completed his hat trick just before the halftime break by scoring from the penalty spot.
In the second half, Ott netted United City’s fifth goal on a penalty kick after Lopez Mendy was fouled at the 52nd minute. Lopez Mendy notched his second goal with a header at the 59th minute.
In the other fixture of the day, Maharlika Manila FC’s Jose Montelibano and Jeremy Theur negated the first half goal of Stallion Laguna FC’s Ibrahim N’Dour for a come-from-behind 2-1 victory.
The maiden victory of the PFL newcomer Maharlika Manila allowed them to occupy the third place in the standings with three points on one win and one loss, followed by Stallion, Mendiola and Azkals, which all have zero points./PN
