By Adrian Stewart Co

Kenshiro Daniels’ first half conversion lifted Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo to a 1-0 escape over Azkals Developmental Team in the 2020 Philippines Football League on Saturday night at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

The 25-year-old Daniels was at the right place at the right time as he netted the go-ahead goal past the defense of Azkals Developmental’s goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad at the 15th minute.

The Iloilo City-based football club had a golden opportunity to widen the lead but Ilonggo Jovin Bedic misfired his attempt, while Azkals’ Yrick Gallantes wasted an opportunity to tie the match as his try was defended by Kaya keeper Louie Casas.

It was the second consecutive win for Kaya-Iloilo for six-points, tying defending champions United City Football Club, which came from a 6-0 triumph over Mendiola 1991 FC.

Bienvenido Marañon fired a hat trick, Robert Lopez Mendy added two goals, while Mike Ott drained his second goal of the season as the defending champions moved up to solo first place with six points on two victories.

Marañon set the tone early for United City with his 12th minute header from a free kick by Stephan Schrock. The Spanish striker gets the double after volleying a deflected cross at the 25th minute.

Lopez Mendy added to United City’s goal total at the 38th minute mark as he headed the cross of Hikaru Minegishi. Maranon completed his hat trick just before the halftime break with a spot kick penalty.

In the second half, Ott netted United City’s fifth goal on a penalty kick after Lopez Mendy was fouled at the 52nd minute. Lopez Mendy notched his second goal with a header at the 59th minute./ASC, WDJ