Far Eastern Universiy defeated top-seeded Ateneo de Manila University 5-4 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after extra time, for its second UAAP Men’s Football title in three years on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Rico Braga’s game-winning penalty and Mon Diansuy’s crucial save in the shootout gave FEU just enough of a boost to edge past Ateneo and claim the crown.
“Puso kasi alam kong nauna kami naka-miss, pero okay lang kasi alam ko rin masa-save ko rin lahat yun eh. Luckily, nai-save naman,” shared Diansuy after the match.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
FEU’s last championship in Season 85 also came at the expense of the Blue Eagles, with the Tamaraws delivering a dominant 4-1 victory.
This win avenged their heartbreaking 0-1 loss to the University of the Philippines in Season 86.
The victory marked FEU’s 12th overall championship in UAAP football, cementing their continued dominance in the collegiate football scene.
Spanish head coach Roman Oliver made history as the first foreign tactician to lead a team to the UAAP Men’s Football championship since Kim Chul-Su, who guided FEU to back-to-back titles in Season 76 and 77.
“Everything was against us, even with some unfair decisions and losing some players. But despite all these challenges, we fought. We deserved the win. We had more chances than them in the 90 and 120 minutes,” said the first-year head coach.
“And then in the penalties, we missed the second, we were struggling, but we always came back. The gold is back home, so we’re very happy about that,” he admitted.
In the penalty shootout, Libarnes gave FEU the lead with a left-side shot, putting the Tamaraws ahead 2-1. Ateneo’s Maquiling responded quickly, netting a goal to level the score at 2-2.
FEU’s hopes dimmed when Edgar Aban’s shot was deflected by Ateneo’s goalkeeper, Cezar, giving the Blue Eagles the chance to take the lead.
Dov Cariño capitalized on that opportunity, putting Ateneo ahead 3-2.
Mcjay Nañiel equalized for FEU in the next round of penalties, sending his shot to the right side of the net.
However, Diansuy was unable to save Javier Bengson’s shot, leaving FEU still trailing 3-4.
Abdulnasser Mustapa kept FEU’s hopes alive with a successful penalty, and then the Tamaraws caught a break when Diansuy saved Andy Roxas’ shot, bringing the score level at 4.
With the pressure mounting, Rico Braga stepped up and scored the decisive penalty, sending his shot past Cezar to give FEU the 5-4 lead.
With the championship on the line, Diansuy redeemed his earlier slip-up by saving Jetro Flores’ shot, securing the 5-4 victory and sealing the Tamaraws’ triumph.
In regulation, after a defensive first half, FEU took the lead in the 65th minute when Theo Jico Libarnes found the back of the net, slipping the ball past Cezar.
However, Ateneo’s veteran striker Leo Maquiling answered back in the 72nd minute with a powerful strike from the right side, leveling the score at one-all.
FEU’s Ace Amita had a chance to reclaim the lead early in extra time, but his shot was deflected off the crossbar in the 94th minute.
Frustrations mounted as both teams struggled to find the net. FEU’s head coach Roman Oliver was issued a yellow card in the 108th minute for excessive protesting.
At the 120+1 mark, Ateneo’s Andy Roxas had a final attempt at goal with a free kick, but Mon Diansuy made the save, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
Despite missing key players – including team captain Mel Anthony Baylon and midfielder Karl Absalon due to suspension – FEU secured the title.
The Tamaraws will also bid farewell to seniors Eugene Arriola, Mustapa, and Gerald Estores as they graduate.
FEU’s 4th championship in UAAP Season 87 was complemented by their Women’s Football title on Saturday, alongside victories in Women’s Chess and Women’s Athletics.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Edgar Aban was named Rookie of the Year for Season 87, while Mon Diansuy earned MVP honors for his outstanding performance in the final match.
Ateneo’s Artuz Cezar was named Best Goalkeeper, Jet Dela Cruz was recognized as Best Defender, and Dov Cariño was awarded Best Midfielder.
Cariño also took home the Golden Boot after scoring 11 goals. Leo Maquiling was named Best Striker.
Meanwhile, last season’s champion University of the Philippines earned the bronze medal in the competition.
