Air Force celebrates Kenneth Lecoto’s opening goal. Bob Guerrero/Philippine Air Force FC

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA–Air Force scored its second straight victory late into the PFL season after taking down Army, 2-0, in their Sunday night “AFP Derby” at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

New signing Kenneth Lecoto struck first for Air Force in the 44th minute as he converted a Jed Delariate feed into the opening goal.

Delariate then sealed Air Force’s win with a 68th-minute strike, beating his cousin Kent.

The win momentarily kept the Air Force’s hopes of staying in the soon-to-be-formed PFL Division 1 after moving up to nine points, joining a three-way tie with Tuloy and Garelli for 11th place.

However, Mendiola shut down the three clubs’ last dash after beating Maharlika Taguig, 1-0, later in the night.

Sajad Mohebizadeh broke Mamadou Sene’s heart in the 76th minute as Sene failed to control his save of Mohebizadeh’s close-range shot and the ball sailed into the goalmouth for the lone goal of the match.

Mendiola sealed the 10th and last spot for next season’s top flight as they moved up to 13 points, four ahead of Tuloy, Air Force, and Garelli with one match to spare for each.

Tuloy, Air Force, Garelli, and Army will make up the new Division 2 starting next season along with Montet and the clubs who have an intent to join next year.

Maharlika Taguig, on the other hand, failed to overtake Loyola for eighth place as both clubs stayed tied at 16 points with Loyola ahead on goal difference.