Kaya snaps PFL spell, edges Ilocos

MANILA, Philippines — Kaya Makati FC broke a winless slump with a 1-0 victory over Ilocos United in the Philippines Football League (PFL) at Quirino Stadium in Ilocos last Sunday.

Jordan Mintah scored the marginal header in the first half that put the Makati booters back on track after managing only three draws and three losses in their last six matches.

“We needed this win, we needed these three points. It’s the buildup for us to get back into the winning momentum,” said Makati coach Noel Marcaida.

“I think Kaya FC played well from start to finish. But the game looked tough because we kept on missing goal scoring opportunities. I think we could’ve finished the game as early as the first half if we finished all our chances,” he added.

The win, Kaya’s first since a 2-1 edging of Ilocos last July 23, propelled the club to second spot in the table at 35 points past idle Global Cebu (34). Makati sits six points behind FC Meralco Manila’s leading 41.

The visitors conjured early scoring opportunities from Jovin Bedic, Robert Lopez Mendy and Mintah but just couldn’t consummate. Then at the 34th, Lopez Mendy beat his defender and sent a cross over to the far post, which Mintah gamely nodded in.