Kofi Agyei struck late to earn Ateneo de Manila University a 1-1 draw at the expense of Adamson University in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The 6-foot-4 forward from Ghana put the ball at the back of the net in the 90th minute to save the Blue Eagles after he missed several chances throughout the match.
The 22-year-old striker’s goal capped off an eventual afternoon for Ateneo and coach JP Merida was happy that his player had a big impact to start the campaign.
“I’m so happy with Kofi for today’s game,” said Merida. “Coming into the first game in the UAAP, we struggled with how he managed the last contact before scoring a goal. That was what we were worried about.
“We had a lot of exercises for finishing. But again, we’re happy because we go home with one point. I think that’s the best start for this Season 86,” he continued.
Adamson initially broke the deadlock in the 45+2 minute.
Ilonggo striker Lorent Jayaon unleashed a fantastic shot from outside the box that went past Ateneo goalkeeper Artuz Cezar.
Soaring Falcons midfielders Roque Empleo Jr. and Mark Christian Ricario all had sniffs at goal but none found the net.
Ultimately, Adamson had to settle for a draw after Agyei’s late leveler.
New Soaring Falcons head coach Darlton Digha lamented the Soaring Falcons’ failure to finish their goalscoring opportunities and it was back to the drawing board for their team.
“It’s a football game,” said Digha. “You have to take care of your chances because you also make mistakes. I think we wasted a lot of chances today and I think we should have done better. It’s a game of chances and Ateneo took care of its chances.”
After starting this season with a draw, both schools will next face University of Santo Tomas.
Adamson takes on UST first this Thursday at 6:30 PM. Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles and the Golden Booters go against each other this Sunday at 4:30 PM.
Both games are at the same venue.
Adamson XI: Nalog (GK), Buenaobra (C), Jayaon, Jose, Arañas, Empleo Jr, Napili, Francisco, Casing, Banagodos, Coquilla.
Ateneo XI: Cezar (GK), Salud, Dela Cruz, Agyei, Maquiling, J Lopez (C), W Lopez, Abaa, Escobin, Bautista, Uy
