Kofi Agyei and Fernando Roxas combined to propel Ateneo de Manila University into the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament at the expense of archrival De La Salle University by drawing 2-2 Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Agyei scored the Blue Eagles’ equalizer in the 31st minute – his ninth goal this season.
The Ghanian forward, who stands at 6-foot-4, then provided the assist for Roxas, who scored a tap-in in the 57th minute to seal the deal for Ateneo.
On the back of five wins, three draws and four losses, Ateneo sealed fourth spot with 18 points and a plus-2 goal difference.
It will face defending champion and top-seed Far Eastern University this Thursday for the right to enter the May 16 final.
The Tamaraws defeated the Blue Eagles 4-2 last March 7, and 2-1 on March 24 this season.
“Wow! Unbelievable performance from both teams,” said coach JP Merida. “The pride was there. Walang nag-give up. I’m so impressed with the performance of La Salle.”
“We were down one goal, and then the attitude, talagang nandon. Hindi nag-give up. Even La Salle, after we led by one goal, yung attitude ng La Salle talaga, they never gave up until the last whistle. So I’m very happy with the result right now.”
In contrast, the Green Booters could only lament their failure to capitalize on chances and rack up points during winnable matches.
John Paul Josheb Bengay got La Salle off to a dream start by heading the ball home just two minutes into the match.
Substitute forward Mohammad Almohjili then gave the Green Booters hope after they were two-one down with a wonder strike in the 74th minute.
However, Ateneo held on for the draw and ticket to the semifinals.
This is the first time that the Green Booters have missed out on the Final Four since Season 79. La Salle finished in fifth place with 16 points behind four wins, four draws and four losses.
Franck Anoh, Bengay, John Vincent Eduave, Ernesto Logarta III, Christian Peñalosa Pomeroy Veloso and Almohjili will all graduate from La Salle this season.
Ateneo XI: Cezar (GK), Flores, Santilices, Dela Cruz, Agyei, Maquiling, Roxas, Lopez (C), Abaa, Fernandez.
DLSU XI: Mangaoang (GK), Cruel, Go, Henares, Anoh, Peñalosa, Suarez III, Lozano, Bengay, Abela, Labayen.
