Karl Absalon scored the winner as 10-man Far Eastern University prevailed 1-0 against defending champion University of the Philippines in an intense and fight-marred clash to advance to the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Final on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Absalon, a third-year forward who replaced Edgar Aban, capitalized on a costly defensive lapse by Charles Lobitaña and goalkeeper Alfonzo Gonzales in the 76th minute.
The win secures a third straight Final appearance for the Tamaraws.
FEU will aim for its 12th UAAP title on Sunday at the same historic Malate venue.
The Tamaraws will face the winner of the other semifinal between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the UST Golden Booters, which is ongoing as of publishing time.
“No preference. I just wish the best of the lot for both of them; hopefully, the better team will win. And whoever is it, (we) will face them and we will do our best to win,” said first-year FEU head coach Roman Oliver.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The first half saw both teams creating chances, with Theo Libarnes testing UP’s defense for FEU.
However, UP had the best opportunity in the 17th minute when Liam Lampayan’s long-range effort was saved by FEU goalkeeper Mon Diansuy.
The match grew increasingly intense, with referee Meliton Pelayo warning both captains, Macky Tobias and Anthony Baylon, to tighten the match from that point onward.
In added time of the first half, a scuffle broke out between Florenz Tacardon and substitute Absalon as they fought for a loose ball.
The altercation lasted six minutes before the officials regained control, issuing yellow cards to Tacardon and CJ Donato for UP and Rustel Buenave for FEU.
UP head coach Popoy Clarino and Baylon were also sent off for a second yellow card, forcing FEU to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
“Well, it’s a very good feeling. It was a tough match, a very emotional match. We played the whole second half with all our best players fighting like warriors, so I don’t even have to describe the feelings. So happy, but now we have a final to prepare for next weekend,” said Oliver.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite early chances from UP in the second half, Diansuy continued to thwart their efforts.
FEU took the lead when Absalon found the back of the net, and the Tamaraws held firm with resolute defending to see out the match.
UP must wait for the result of the Ateneo-UST match to determine their fate. A victory by the Blue Eagles would secure the Fighting Maroons the bronze medal.
