Jordan Mintah and Robert Lopez Mendy struck in the second half as Kaya FC Makati turned back JPV Makati, 2-0, for its second straight win in the Philippines Football League at the muddy University of Makati pitch.
Mintah, the Ghanaian striker in his second season with the club, opened the scoring in the 61st minute with a low shot from just inside the box, before Mendy added a second goal with 10 minutes remaining as Kaya jacked up its tally to 20 points from 11 matches.
The win pushed Kaya to third spot, a point behind Global Cebu, which was held to a goalless draw by Davao Aguilas on Saturday night at Cebu City Sports Complex.
Davao remained winless in 10 matches, but picked up another point after a fifth draw of the season.
“We’re very happy with the win,” said Kaya coach Noel Marcaida. “All the players responded well to the game plan against a tough team like JPV.”
JPV lost for the second straight game, after missing top scorer Takumi Uesato, who was out due to an injury.
The Marikina side fell to fifth spot with 18 points.
Mintah had a couple of appeals for a penalty waived off earlier before he pounced on Adam Reed’s long ball into the box. After expertly controlling Reed’s pass, Mintah sent the ball past JPV keeper Felipe Tripulca.
Kaya’s ploy of sending long balls to its strikers worked anew in the 80th minute when Mendy outfoxed JPV defender Camelo Tacusalme in an aerial challenge before firing to the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
Known for its short and crisp passing game, JPV struggled with the poor field conditions which was compounded by rains the past days.
Marcaida said his team only played to its strengths.
“We have the strength on top with our strikers and its a good thing we were able capitalize on our chances,” Marcaida added.