CITY OF IMUS — Kofi Agyei scored in both halves to power Ateneo de Manila University to a bounce-back 2-1 victory over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Thursday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub here.
The Ghanaian forward, last season’s top scorer, struck first in the 29th minute after converting a long delivery from Mateo Lacson.
He then doubled Ateneo’s advantage in the second half by finishing a low cross from Dov Cariño, bringing his personal tally this season to four goals.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The win lifted the Blue Eagles to second place with six points and a +4 goal difference, just ahead of the De La Salle Green Booters (4 pts, 0 GD), who earlier climbed to third place.
The stage is now set for a crucial showdown between Ateneo and La Salle when the league shifts to the UP Diliman Football Stadium on Sunday at 4:00 PM.
“Kailangan naming bumawi dito sa third game namin kasi most of my key players ay wala, may injuries,” said coach Paul Madrona, who stood in for head coach JP Merida, serving a one-match suspension. “So, now, nag-rely kami sa mga key players na natira. Hindi naman nagbago ‘yung game plan; gano’n pa rin.
“Nag-rely lang rin kami sa mga seniors namin na mag-step up na kausapin ‘yung mga rookies namin this time, kasi baka maiwan kami sa standings.”
The Blue Eagles signaled their intent early, leaning on captain Dov Cariño’s steady play on the wings and his link-up with fellow forwards Agyei and Joziah Rance, before finally breaking through just before the half-hour mark.
UST, however, nearly pulled one back after Agyei’s second goal.
Chris Valderama’s strike was denied by Ateneo keeper Alfonso Loja, and the ensuing corner came to nothing.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Late in the match, the Golden Booters amped up the pressure and were rewarded with a penalty after Ateneo committed an infraction inside the box.
Substitute Archie Belluga’s spot kick was initially saved by Loja, but the rebound fell kindly to the senior midfielder, who slotted home the consolation goal.
UST will try to bounce back when it faces defending champion FEU Tamaraws (3 pts, GD +1) on Sunday at 6:00 PM.
