KAYA FC-ILOILO got its AFC Cup Group H campaign back on the winning track with a dominant 5-1 victory on Tuesday over visiting Lao Toyota FC of Laos at the Panaad Park and Football Stadium in Bacolod City.
It was a victory that Kaya took extra delight in as it had the team having a solid showing from start to finish.
Forward Jordan Mintah led the thorough Kaya attack with a hat trick while Connor Tacagni and Yannick Tuason scored a goal each to tow their team to the victory, a bounce back from a tough loss they had previously.
Erstwhile struggling Mintah got the scoring going for the home team in the 11th minute when the Ghanaian poked a shot past the Lao goalkeeper for the 1-0 lead.
Just as the opening half drew to a close, Kaya doubled its lead care of midfielder Tacagni, who nodded a goal in the 40th minute.
In the second half, Lao got buried deeper when Mr. Mintah scored his second goal in the 66th minute.
The visiting side scrambled to stay in the game, managing to squeak in a goal in the 70th minute from forward Kazuo Homma.
But that was the closest Lao could get as Kaya put its foot down and went on a strong finish, punctuated by goals from Messrs. Tuason (86’) and Mintah (89’) to complete the impressive victory.
“I’m so happy for my boys. That was hard work from start to finish. In general, we played really well today,” said Kaya coach Noel Marcaida of the performance they showed against Lao.
For Mr. Mintah, to finally bust loose on offense the way he did was something he truly welcomed. “I’m so happy. The last four games have been so hard for me. I keep asking, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ But God always answers ‘Your time will come.’ Today is that day — three goals — I hope it will continue,” said Mr. Mintah.
With the win, Kaya (2-2-1) moved back to second place in Group H with eight points, still in the hunt for the best runner-up finisher among the three ASEAN Zone groupings that would merit a ticket to the next round.
Kaya finishes its group assignments on May 14 versus Home United FC in Singapore. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
