Kaya FC–Iloilo and Mendiola FC 1991 Battle to Scoreless Draw in Lipa

Mendiola FC 1991 0-0 Kaya FC–Iloilo
About Pitch, Lipa, Batangas

2 October 2019 — Kaya FC–Iloilo were unable to build on their winning form in the Philippines Football League, as they could only manage a goalless draw against Mendiola FC 1991 on Wednesday. Mendiola had a player sent off early in the contest, but were able to hold on to ensure the points were shared at the Aboitiz Pitch.

Due to heavy rains, kickoff was delayed for almost two hours. When the action finally got started, Kaya took control early. Just 12 minutes in, Jordan Mintah, fresh from his four-goal performance in Iloilo, broke free and was cynically brought down by his marker. The foul led to a red card and a free kick just outside the Mendiola box. From the resulting free kick, Darryl Roberts struck the crossbar.

With the opposition down to 10 men, Iloilo continued to dictate proceedings, but struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. That changed in the second half, particularly late on.

Jovin Bedic signaled Kaya’s intent shortly after the break with a shot that flashed across goal. Mintah then had three chances to give Kaya the lead late on. In the 83rd minute, the ball fell kindly to him in the box, but his effort went straight to the keeper. Then, he was through on goal after a lovely ball from Bedic, but could only drag his shot wide. Right before the final whistle, Jovin set Jordan free again, but his shot from inside the box went wide of the mark.

With the draw, Kaya FC–Iloilo remain in second place with 46 points. The two clubs face off again in a week’s time in the same venue.