MANTA, Ecuador (Interstat) — Franco Ayunta scored three goals and Delfin beat Manta 4-2 on Sunday at Estadio Jocay, remaining unbeaten in the competition. Delfin, the home side, used a decisive performance from Ayunta and a late goal to secure the win. Manta, the visiting team, stayed within striking distance for much of the match but could not match Delfin’s four-goal output. The result gave Delfin a second win in as many competition matches and left Manta with an even record. Delfin controlled the closing stages and protected its advantage after moving ahead for good.

Ayunta was the game’s top performer. He opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, struck again in the 74th minute and completed his hat trick as Delfin pulled away. His finishing anchored Delfin’s attack and forced Manta to chase the match for long stretches. Jose Angulo scored twice for Manta, including a 38th-minute goal that brought the visitors level. Angulo remained Manta’s primary threat until he was substituted in the 62nd minute, shortly after his two-goal performance. Ayunta’s goals came at key moments and helped Delfin answer Manta’s pressure.

Erick Zuniga recorded an assist for Delfin, while Kevin Ushina scored in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time to close the scoring. Emerson Espinoza and Maikel Reyes each supplied an assist after entering as substitutes. Manta made three changes at the 62nd minute as it tried to regroup, but Delfin’s pressure and Ayunta’s finishing kept the home side in control. Manta also used substitutions in the 71st and 76th minutes. The visitors created chances but could not find a third goal against Delfin’s back line.

The match included several physical moments. Yellow cards went to Manta’s J. Troya in the 20th minute and A. Medina in the 63rd. Delfin’s A. Bedoya, B. Hernandez and L. Cornejo were booked in the 55th, 64th and 80th minutes, respectively. Delfin made substitutions in the 68th, 78th and 90th minutes plus stoppage time. Manta’s changes came in the 62nd, 71st and 76th minutes, including the removal of Angulo after his two goals. Delfin also replaced Ayunta in stoppage time after his hat trick.

Delfin improved to 2 wins and 0 losses in the competition and 2 wins and 0 losses across all competitions. Manta dropped to 1 win and 1 loss in the competition and 1 win and 1 loss across all competitions. Delfin entered the match after a 3-2 win over Mushuc Runa, while Manta had beaten Tecnico U. 1-0. The home win at Estadio Jocay kept Delfin perfect in the competition and gave Manta its first loss. Delfin has now won both of its competition matches and both of its matches across all competitions.

Delfin’s ability to generate goals from multiple sources proved decisive. Ayunta’s hat trick was complemented by Ushina’s late goal and assists from Zuniga, Espinoza and Reyes. Manta’s Angulo provided the main threat with two goals, but the visitors could not offset Delfin’s four-goal total. Delfin’s late scoring helped turn a competitive match into a clear home victory. The game featured goals in both halves and a stoppage-time finish that capped Delfin’s win. Manta’s best spell came around Angulo’s goal, but Delfin’s defense limited the visitors for long stretches after the break. The home side also benefited from timely substitutions which helped maintain energy in the closing minutes.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Manta 2, Delfin 1. Interstat’s ELO system gave Delfin a 52 percent probability to win. Delfin was installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -0.5. The total score of 6 went under the over/under line of 2.5.