Defending champion Far Eastern University survived Ateneo de Manila, 4-2, in a six-goal UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football thriller on Thursday night at the UP Football Stadium.
The result allowed the Tamaraws to gain a piece of third place, while ending the Blue Eagles’ three-match undefeated streak.
With six points, FEU is now level with University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines, one off Ateneo, which is now tied with De La Salle on top of the table with seven points.
The Tamaraws took a 2-1 lead as Karl Absalon’s header went straight to Artuz Cezar, but the Blue Eagles keeper lost control of the ball allowing the second-year forward to score his second goal of the season, four minutes after the restart.
Absalon then assisted Sherwin Basindanan’s 69th-minute strike, his first of the tournament, to give FEU a two-goal cushion.
The Tamaraws had a chance to build a 4-1 lead but Viejay Fregillano’s penalty sailed way above the bar in the 84th minute.
Instead, Ateneo pulled one back as Kofi Agyei produced an 86th-minute screamer, the Ghanian’s fifth goal of the season.
Finally getting his rhythm, Agyei tried to give the Blue Eagles the equalizer a minute later but keeper Jerick Fabrigas was there to save the night for coach Albert Besa’s side.
The substitutes stabilized FEU in stoppage time, as McJay Neniel scored off a Khent Valenzuela assist to restore the two-goal cushion.
“We are very proud kase Ateneo, kahit dati pa naman mahirap kalaban yung Ateneo, mga magagaling tsaka yung pride and passion nila sa game nakita naman natin sa game kahit nagso-score kami bumabawi sila pero siguro sa game na to napakita namin na mas gusto namin manalo,” said Rey.
“For the past two games marami kaming lapses especially sa ball possesion namin attacking and defending siguro yung preparation more on sa team hindi sa play ng ateneo so nag-adjust kami sa game namin,” he added.
FEU opened its account via a Martini Rey fifth-minute penalty.
Ateneo leveled 13 minutes later as captain Jose Lopez scored a header off a Leo Maquiling cross.
