League leaders Kaya FC-Iloilo saw five different goalscorers in their 5-0 rout of Maharlika Manila FC to strengthen their grip at the top of the standings last Saturday 04 March 2023 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Kaya have now asserted themselves with 36 points to go nine points clear of second placed Dynamic Herb Cebu FC, while Maharlika Manila remain winless after 14 games.
Coming off their 4-0 win over Mendiola FC 1991 last Sunday, Kaya opened the floodgates in the 16th minute from league top scorer Daizo Horikoshi. A link up play between Jesus Melliza and Milad Behgandom found the league top scorer on the left flank, who finished with ease.
Eric Giganto almost doubled Kaya’s advantage in the 36th minute, but his effort was denied by a fingertip save from Javier Coscolluela.
New signing Dylan Nobiraki made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time. The midfielder started the play on the top of the box, latching it to Melliza, who returned it back for Nobiraki to open his PFL account.
Melliza would then score from the spot three minutes into the restart after Maharlika defender Ben Diarra fouled the Kaya forward to concede the penalty.
Eric Giganto would join in the goalscoring spree in the 68th minute. Horikoshi delivered the cross from inside the penalty area, to the substitute, who sent in his volleyed effort.
Late substitute Tamon Horikoshi completed the rout with eight minutes left in the match. Javier Gayoso found the forward with the low cross, and finished it past Coscolluela.