Defending champion Far Eastern University got a huge break in stoppage time in a 3-2 win over University of the East in the UAAP Season 86 men’s football tournament Thursday at the UP Football Stadium.
The Tamaraws barely took the number one ranking in the Final Four after the Red Warriors’ Joniel Pamati-an had an own goal in added time.
FEU finished the elimination round with 28 points, while University of the Philippines settled for second place with 27 points.
The Fighting Maroons needed FEU to draw with UE to secure the top of the table.
The Tamaraws were in the zone in the first half. Martini Rey struck in the eighth minute, before Selwyn Mamon doubled his side’s lead in the 44th minute, his seventh goal of the season.
But the Red Warriors regrouped in the second half. Graduating Nikko Palacio scored via an 85th-minute penalty while Kieth Hermoso produced the equalizer five minutes later.
FEU will face the number four team in the eliminations, which is either De La Salle or Ateneo, both of whom are playing as of posting time.
“Gusto namin maglaro ng firm, ng strong. Pero of course kailangan namin mag-ingat kase nga may mga yellow cards gusto namin iwasan may hindi makalaro sa semis,” said Rey. “So far, so good. Okay naman yung naging plan. At least nanalo din.”
He added, “I am very proud for those players na nag-perform today because kase hindi lahat nagkakaroon ng oppurtunity para makapaglaro ng gustong time nila.
“So this day binigay nila ung very best nila para makapag-perform at mapakita na mas deserving sila slot na ito.”
UP will take on third-ranked University of Santo Tomas in the other Final Four pairing.
UE ended the season with seven points in sixth spot, three clear of Adamson University.
Alovera, John Duane Calawod, Ian Ray Gatilao, Kian Lauriano, Joshua Macaraig, Palacio, and Gabriel Resuma will all be graduating for the Red Warriors.
UE XI: Pamati-an (GK), Magallon, Palacio (C), Ebbah, Hernan, Hermoso, Macaraig, Madrid, Maghinay, Cabacungan, Modin.
FEU XI: Diansuy (GK), Arriola, Basindanan, Rey, Estores, Valenzuela, Bacon, Belgira, Buenafe, Mustapa.
