AS the final whistle was blown, a spectating Global FC coach Leigh Manson went down from the stands and headed for the exit of the Emperador Stadium as if nothing significant happened.
But it seems the Scottish mentor was smiling inside as Green Archers United further hurt Kaya FC's championship hopes in the United Football League following a 2-0 victory on Tuesday night.
The Archers did title-favorite Global a huge favor, leaning on a brace from Robert Mendy to stun Kaya and keep the second-running side at 40 points after 20 matches.
"It makes it a lot easier for us," a non-chalant Manson said in a short chat with Spin.ph after the match that marked the return of Division 1 play after a month-long break.
With 47 points in 19 matches, Global thus needs to win only two of its last five assignments to capture its second league title in three years.
A lot of thanks to the Archers, who solidified their hold of fifth spot with 30 points.
Mendy broke Kaya’s defense 35 minutes into the game when he found the back of the net with an easy conversion that went past Manu Saubach before the Senegalese striker doubled the lead in the 64th minute.
“Those were fantastic goals,” Archers coach Dolfo Alicante said. “Basta ibigay mo lang bola kay Robert, may magagawa siya.”
Azkals Chris Greatwich, OJ Porteria, Anton del Rosario, and Kenshiro Daniels all saw action for Kaya, which, however, still looked far from its fiery form with a makeshift lineup.
“We always knew it was going to be a tough match,” said Kaya coach David Perkovic, who missed six starters, including Spanish striker Pablo Rodriguez, who broke his arm.
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