By: Nicole Parallag
Sherwin Basindanan struck at the nick of time to extend Far Eastern University’s winning streak at the start of the second round of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament by overcoming Ateneo 2-1 on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The veteran winger scored a header in the 90+5th minute to seal full points for the Tamaraws, who are now on a six-game winning streak.
“It came at a crucial time; he’s been very hungry for this goal and it showed. The last one was actually a team goal, it was great that he was able to convert, and it was a glancing header — one of the hardest things to do,” said Tamaraws head coach Albert Besa.
Karl Absalon opened the scoring in the 36th minute to earn his fourth goal of the season. The Tamaraws’ happiness was cut short, though, as they saw themselves go down to 10 men soon after, with Khent Velasquez earning himself a red card in the 45th minute.
Deep into the second half, Ateneo continued trying to find an equalizer, and the Blue Eagles’ persistence paid off in the 77th minute as Agyei scored his seventh goal of the campaign to bring his team back on level terms.
The Tamaraws, however, kept pushing, and Basindanan’s stoppage-time winner allowed them to strengthen their hold on first place with 18 points and a plus-11 goal difference behind six wins and one defeat.
FEU will continue to defend its winning streak against Adamson University on April 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the Diliman Venue.
“The boys had a great performance and we were able to come out with a win. There was a little mishap and we were down ten men but they really showed the attitude that they didn’t want to lose or even lose so they went all out,” said Besa.
On the other hand, the Blue Eagles remained in third place with 14 points and a plus-8 goal difference on the back of four wins, two draws, and two losses.
Ateneo will try to seek a win against University of Santo Tomas at 6:00 p.m. on April 11 on the same pitch.
FEU XI : Fabrigas (GK), Arriola, Yu, Absalon, Rey, Valenzuela, Frigilliano, Darapan (C), Bacon, Mustapa, Alipoon.
ATENEO XI: Cezar (GK), Flores, Salud, Dela Cruz, Agyei, Maquiling, Roxas, Lopez, Abaa, Fernandez, Escobin.
