A well-rested Kaya Iloilo side maintained its perfect record in the Philippine Football League after a narrow 1-0 victory over Global last Saturday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Ghanaian midfielder Alfred Osei’s 52nd minute strike proved enough for coach Noel Marcaida’s men to secure maximum points for their third straight victory that pushed them to top spot with nine points, two ahead of Ceres-Negros.
It was also the third clean sheet of the season for the Iloilo side, which is the only team in the PFL that has yet to drop points.
Over at the Biñan Football Stadium, Chima Uzoka’s hattrick propelled Stallion Laguna to a 6-1 drubbing of Mendiola FC.
“The players were able to maximize and take advantage of the long break,” said Marcaida, whose team did not play for two weeks due to the international break.
“The team needed that, as we had an early preseason and an AFC Cup campaign.”
A quickly taken corner by Marwin Angeles led to Joven Bedic’s penetrating run to the area.
Found by Bedic’s clever touch, Osei rifled the ball past Nelson Gasic as Kaya’s pressure finally paid off. —CEDELF P. TUPAS