Far Eastern University booked a ticket to the Final Four with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Football Tournament on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The win catapulted the Tamaraws to second place in the standings with 20 points and a +18 goal difference, narrowing the gap with the league-leading Blue Eagles, who remain on top with 24 points and a +20 goal difference.
Ace Amita provided the decisive goal in the 41st minute, capitalizing on a pinpoint cross from Khent Valenzuela. The breakthrough came just before halftime, breaking what had been a tightly contested first half.
Ateneo, who defeated FEU 2-1 in their first-round clash on October 6, was determined to avenge that loss but ultimately fell short.
“Well, the most important thing is that we’ve already qualified for the Final Four, so the first objective is done,” said FEU head coach Roman Oliver.
“It’s always important for the team to win matches. We’ve had four matches in a row without conceding any goals. So, I think we’re in a good way competing in the next matches, and we’re already ready for the Final Four.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
A surprising standout for FEU was second-stringer Carlo Hulagno, who delivered a stellar defensive performance against Ateneo’s offensive threats, including Dov Cariño and Leo Maquiling.
“In this kind of big match, he only had to play for thirty minutes and defend a one-goal lead. His aptitude, his performance, how he recovered the ball, and how he played was amazing,” Oliver added.
The Tamaraws nearly doubled their lead in the 80th minute when rookie Theo Libarnes attempted a strike, but Ateneo’s backline quickly thwarted the effort.
Ateneo had opportunities to equalize, including a dangerous cross from Cariño that found Fernando Roxas in the 57th minute. However, FEU defender Mon Diansuy cleared the shot to preserve the clean sheet.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Blue Eagles also struggled with unconverted set pieces, while FEU’s defense effectively neutralized Cariño, making it difficult for Ateneo to find a breakthrough.
The loss marked Ateneo’s second of the season, but the team remains at the top of the standings with 24 points and a +19 goal difference.
FEU will face De La Salle University on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the UP Football Field, while Ateneo looks to bounce back against the University of the East on Thursday at 2 p.m.
