ISAAC Anoh’s timely strike earned De La Salle University a point against archrival Ateneo de Manila University as the final match in the first round of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament ended 1-1 Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Anoh, who came off the bench for Gabe Suarez III in the 62nd minute, unleashed a strike at the edge of the Blue Eagles’ box that went past Ateneo goalkeeper Artuz Cezar in the 84th minute.
The Ivorian forward, who now has six goals this season, ensured that the Green Booters would enter the second round of the tournament in fourth place in the standings with nine points and a plus-1 goal difference after two wins, three draws, and one defeat.
“Actually, we have been working,” said Anoh. “Basically, we’re all working as a team. If we lack one player or maybe when we’re down 1-0, the job I have as a striker is that I have to put the ball at the back of the net.
“That’s what I did and I’m really, really happy that we could get at least one point and go back home with it, and let’s see what we’ll give in the second round,” he added.
Ateneo drew first blood in the match thanks to a fine individual effort from striker Kofi Agyei. Agyei, who also has six goals this season, powered his way past the Green Booters defense to break the deadlock just nine minutes into the contest.
The Blue Eagles, though, were on the back foot in the second half and continuous pressure from the Green Booters saw the latter salvage a draw thanks to Anoh’s heroics.
On the back of three wins, two draws and one defeat, Ateneo sat in third place with 11 points and a plus-4 goal difference after round one.
“It was a good game for both teams,” said coach JP Merida. “They controlled the emotions. They were very safe in the first half. Hindi talaga nag-o-overcommit.
“I’m happy because, in the end, we go home with a point. I think we need to accept that. Looking forward na lang to the next game to improve and, of course, get the three points,” he added.
DLSU XI: Mangaoang (GK), Del Rosario, Cruel, Go, Henares, Almohjili, Peñalosa, Suarez III, Lozano, Bengay, Labayen.
Ateneo XI: Cezar (GK), Flores, Santilices, Dela Cruz, Agyei, Maquiling, J Lopez, W Lopez, Fernandez, Roxas, Bautista.
