Kaya grabs lead after rout of Ilocos FC

Ghanaian striker Jordan Mintah fired his first career hat trick in the Philippines Football League to carry Kaya FC Makati past Ilocos United, 5-2, on Wednesday night even as Stallion Laguna secured a breakthrough victory to move up to sixth spot.

Mintah headed in two goals after a clinical finish in the first 10 minutes opened the scoring for Kaya, which zoomed to top spot ahead of FC Meralco Manila on goal difference.

Kaya, which increased its tally to 23 points, has played two more games than Meralco. The Sparks tangle with Global Cebu FC on Saturday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Robert Lopez Mendy was also on target, while Eric Giganto came on in the second half to complete the rout for coach Noel Marcaida’s men, who have racked up four wins in a row and could pick up a fifth win when they meet Ilocos again at home on Sunday.

Over at Biñan Football Stadium, Stallion finally scored its first win of the season after turning back struggling JPV Marikina, 2-0.

A brace from Jess Melliza propelled Stallion to seven points from 12 matches for sixth spot, leapfrogging past Davao Aguilas.