Far Eastern University clinched its first victory of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament in nail-biting fashion, outlasting University of the Philippines, 4-2, on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The Tamaraws rose to third place in the standings with three points after two matches – above the Fighting Maroons and beneath the UST Golden Booters, who are facing the Ateneo Blue Eagles as of publishing.
UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year Karl Absalon was an instrumental figure for FEU.
The second-year midfielder released the cross from the right flank that UP’s Orlan Togores turned into his own goal in the 19th minute.
Then he put the ball at the back of the net himself in the 53rd minute.
“When Karl had the ball, we knew that he would create some chances,” said Besa. “He is one of the smartest players that I’ve come across and he showed it today.”
Despite holding a two-goal cushion, FEU failed to control the game as UP kept on forcing a comeback.
Fighting Maroons skipper Marc Tobias pulled one back for his team in the 56th minute with an incredible solo effort.
However, Tamaraws striker Nickos Mamon took advantage of a defensive miscue on the other end to make it 3-1 for FEU in the 58th minute.
The Fighting Maroons thought they could inch closer yet again minutes later as referee MickJon Pineda awarded them a penalty for a foul in the Tamaraws’ box.
Then FEU goalkeeper Jetrick Piolo Fabrigas executed a fine save against Tobias.
Late drama was on the cards as Ramil Bation III scored UP’s second goal in the 86th minute, but the Fighting Maroons found themselves on the back foot again after scoring.
Martini Rey took advantage of another miscue at the UP backline to score in the 87th minute and clinch full points for FEU.
FEU will look to build on this win against Ateneo de Manila University on March 7 at 6:30 PM on the same pitch.
“It was crazy. It was really important that we came out with a win and a convincing win. Mentally, the team was a bit down with the first loss. We were telling them that it really shows character how we get up from a fall and they showed it today,” said Besa.
On the other hand, UP is now in fourth place with three points behind one win and one loss. The Fighting Maroons will try to bounce back against the DLSU Green Booters this Sunday at 6:30 PM at the same venue.
FEU XI: Fabrigas (GK), Arriola, Mamon, Absalon, Rey, Estores, Frigillano, Darapan (C), Baylon, Mustapa, Alipoon.
UP XI: Gonzalez (GK), Bongolan, Lobitaña, Tobias, Togores, Tacardon, Parpan, Donato, Huelva, Lampayan, Bation.
