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ROBERT Lopez Mendy’s hat trick carried Kaya FC Iloilo to the finals of the 2018 Philippines Football League (PFL) Copa Paulino Alcantara after defeating Stallion Laguna FC, 3-2, at the Iloilo Sports Complex (ISC) grounds on Oct. 21.
The match got off to the perfect start for Kaya, with Lopez Mendy unleashing a sensational rocket from way out to open the scoring just four minutes into the contest.
The Senegalese striker doubled the advantage in the 15th minute from a well-worked corner by Jovin Bedic of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.
Miguel Tanton played a quick one-two with Marwin Angeles, allowing Tanton space to deliver a killer cross for Robert to head in.
The visiting team had the chance to earn a goal after series of attempts, but Kaya’s Nathaniel Villanueva blocked the attempt.
After struggling on the pitch, Stallion finally scored in the game with two straight goals off a penalty kick by Fitch Arboleda in the 20th minute and another conversion by Carlo Polli.
With a tied ball game, Kaya answered quickly with a Lopez Mendy goal midway through the second half, which claimed the victory.
Kaya team manager Chris Greatwich said their players did a great job in defending their home turf in the final minutes of action. He said that they want his players to have the same mindset during the finals.
“With this win the road to AFC stays alive. I’m proud of our players. From the start of the game, we saw the intensity, the grit, and hunger to win the game,” said Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida.
“Before the cup started, our main focus was to play this semifinal here in Iloilo. We were successful in that. We wanted the game here because we’re confident in front of our Ilonggo fans. It gives us the extra gas. They’re a part of this win in the semifinals. We thank everyone for always supporting us. We hope we see them in the final,” he added.
“All the credit goes to the boys. We had the desire to win this game and to play in the Final. The objective is the AFC [Cup]. We got the job done today, but we still have one game to go. We have to focus 100% to win that game. It’s crucial for our season,” said Man of the Match Robert Lopez Mendy, who was also awarded Player of the Season by Kaya FC–Iloilo’s fan club.
Kaya FC Iloilo will face Davao Aguilas FC in the finals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Oct. 27.
Davao reached the finals after defeating JPV Marikina, 6-1, also on Sunday. (With a report from www.kayafc.com)
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