By: Nicole Parallag
FAR Eastern University salvaged a crucial point after forcing a 1-1 draw against Ateneo de Manila University on Thursday night in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Substitute Selwyn Mamon delivered the equalizer in the 71st minute, slotting the ball past Ateneo’s second-choice keeper Santi Pastor to bring the Tamaraws level. It was Mamon’s second goal of the season.
FEU goalkeeper Jet Fabrigas came up big in the 80th minute, denying Dov Cariño’s close-range attempt that could have sealed the win for the Blue Eagles.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
With the result, the Tamaraws improved to eight points to take a share of second place, holding a match in hand. The back-to-back title-seeking side is tied with Ateneo and De La Salle on points but sits ahead on goal difference—plus-3 compared to Ateneo and La Salle’s plus-2.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines remains firmly on top of the table with 16 points, eight clear of its closest pursuers.
“The game was a very intense game. We all needed to step up for the team to go up there in the rankings,” said FEU head coach Jake Morallo.
“I think the team gave their best, but there were moments when there were lapses in the game, especially in the second half. We needed a win; they didn’t aim for a draw but a win.”
The Tamaraws will close out their first-round campaign against the De La Salle Green Booters at 4 p.m. on Sunday, still at the Diliman pitch.
Ateneo drew first blood in the 39th minute after Cariño calmly converted a penalty kick, following a foul by FEU defender RJ Pescadera on Ghanaian striker Kofi Agyei inside the box.
Cariño’s strike marked his fourth goal of the tournament, trailing only Agyei’s league-leading five.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Ateneo rookie keeper Polo Tansingco, a former Southridge standout, turned in an impressive performance before being subbed out in the 67th minute due to cramps, paving the way for Pastor to take over.
“First half, we really had a good performance,” said Ateneo head coach JP Merida.
“Going to the second, I don’t know what to feel right now. We lost Paolo due to cramps, but we cannot blame Santi because it was his first time facing FEU, so there were miscommunications. I think we need to move forward and accept this draw.”
The Blue Eagles wrapped up the first round with two wins, two draws, and two losses—a mixed but promising start to their Season 88 campaign.
