Ceres-Negros salvages draw with Kaya-Iloilo, retains PFL lead

Kevin Ingreso snatched a late equalizer as Ceres-Negros kept its nine-point lead at the top of the Philippines Football League following another 1-1 stalemate with Kaya FC Iloilo on Saturday at Iloilo Sports Complex.

The Filipino international rifled a perfect free kick to the top corner from 20 yards out that left Kaya keeper Ace Villanueva with no chance six minutes from time as the Busmen salvaged a point in the battle of the top league’s two teams.

Kaya seemed headed to a stunning win at home when Senegalese striker Robert Lopez Mendy beat Toni Doblas with an elegant chip off a fine ball from Joven Bedic.

“We thought the three points were in the bag, but I’m still happy with the work rate the players put into this game,” said Kaya coach Noel Marcaida.

Doblas was forced to an early save by Mendy from long range, before the Spanish stopper denied Masa Omura’s close range header. On the other end, Takumi Uesato tested Villanueva with a snapshot in the 26th minute.

The Busmen had a penalty appeal waived off late in the first half when Stephan Schrock was brought down inside the area as the opening 45 minutes ended up goalless.

The result meant the Busmen remained ahead in the title race with 42 points, while Kaya took its tally to 33 points.

The two teams square off anew on Wednesday with a win by Ceres putting the Busmen closer to the crown.