KAYA-ILOILO NIPS DAVAO, CREEPS CLOSER TO CERES

Kaya FC-Iloilo cut Ceres-Negros lead at the top of the Philippines Football League (PFL) to nine points after a thrilling 4-3 win over Davao Aguilas on Saturday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Ghanaian midfielder Alfred Osei struck an unstoppable effort from outside the box in stoppage time for his second goal of the match as Kaya took maximum points, while denying Davao a chance at seizing second.

With the Busmen losing to JPV Marikina, 0-2, at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, Kaya again moved within striking distance of top spot with 26 points and a game in hand.

Ceres has 35 points from 15 matches, but saw its four-match winning streak snapped by an inspired JPV side. The Busmen missed almost half of their starting eleven due to injuries, forcing coach Risto Vidakovic to shuffle his men.

A red card on Ceres goalkeeper Michael Casas in the 12th minute reduced the Busmen to 10.

Still, the home side had an opportunity to take the lead early in the second half only for Marikina goalkeeper Nelson Gasic to deny Stephan Schrock from the penalty spot after OJ Porteria was fouled inside the area.

FormerCeres player J Baguioro and Kennedy Uzoka scored for the visitors, whoremained in fifth spot with 13 points.