Mintah, Mendy on target anew as Kaya Makati slips past Ilocos

Jordan Mintah and Robert Mendy continued their impressive scoring run as Kaya FC Makati slipped past Ilocos United, 2-1, for its fifth straight victory, while Stallion Laguna made it two wins in a row in the Philippines Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Mintah, the Ghanaian striker, connected on Miguel Tanton’s corner in the 81st minute at University of Makati as Kaya finally brushed aside Ilocos to regain top spot in the table with 26 points, two ahead of FC Meralco Manila, which has two games in hand.

The Senegalese Mendy opened the scoring in the 30th minute, swapping passes with Eric Giganto before beating Baba Sampana from close range.

Ilocos equalized at the hour mark when John Kanayama converted from the spot after a handball infraction called on Jalsor Soriano, setting the stage for an anxious finish for Kaya.

It marked the third straight match in which Mintah and Mendy both scored for Kaya, which also beat Ilocos, 5-2, on Wednesday. Mintah has nine goals so far this season, two more than Mendy’s.

“It’s really difficult to play back-to-back games against the same team and this was the kind of match where we struggled to create opportunities,” said Kaya coach Noel Marcaida. “It’s three points and number one in the league so far, so we’re happy with the result.

“It all boils down to the players’ hard work. Despite the heavy schedule, the players are very disciplined and made sure they recover quickly.”

Over at RMS, Stallion secured back-to-back wins after two late goals propelled the Laguna side past struggling JPV Marikina, 2-1.

Swiss striker Gabriele Mascazzini headed home the equalizer in the 81st minute, before Jess Melliza struck from long range with a minute left in regulation as coach Ernie Nierras side completed a big comeback.

Stallion has 13 points from 12 matches, while JPV fell to fifth, after dropping a fourth straight match. Ilocos remained winless in 12 games.