In an intense rematch of last season’s final, Theo Jico Libarnes delivered a dramatic equalizer for Far Eastern University, securing a 1-1 draw against University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Libarnes, a standout from FEU-Diliman’s championship program, scored a crucial header in the 90+7 minute, breaking the hearts of UP players and supporters.
His last-second goal redeemed his earlier miss in the first half, which could have leveled the game for the Tamaraws sooner.
“Sobrang saya,” said Libarnes after the thrilling rematch of last season’s final. “Last one minute, so parang wala na talagang chance. So yun, kinuha ko lang yung opportunity makapunta sa goal at mag-score. Nakaka-overwhelm.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
While FEU erupted in celebration, UP was left distraught after failing to capitalize on their strong start to the match.
UP rookie Joseph Garces broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, but despite further chances from teammates Ramil Bation III, Jan Ceena Donato, and Benjamin Palacio, they couldn’t extend their lead.
UP defender Liam Lampayan had two promising free-kick opportunities in the second half.
His first sailed over the bar, while the second went straight to FEU goalkeeper Jetrick Fabrigas. Garces’ goal seemed enough to secure the win, but those missed chances ultimately haunted the Fighting Maroons as FEU found their late equalizer.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“It feels like a win,” said FEU head coach Roman Oliver, whose Tamaraws finished the first round with 10 points and a plus-6 goal difference from three wins, two losses, and this draw.
“Most of the squad is tired and not 100-percent. We have some injuries, we lost our captain (Mel Anthony Baylon) to a red card (against UST last Thursday), so everything was against us. We conceded a goal, but we stayed strong. We kept fighting for the ball and believed in ourselves. In the end, we found the goal at the last minute. It feels like a victory. We are so happy,” the Spaniard added.
UP, meanwhile, will close out the first round against De La Salle University this Thursday at 4 p.m. at the same venue.
The Fighting Maroons sit in fourth place, ahead of the Green Booters on goal difference, with a plus-3 compared to La Salle’s minus-2. Both teams have seven points.
Ateneo currently tops the first round with 15 points, with one match remaining against University of the East on Thursday.
