WITH A last-minute goal from Kofi Agyei, the Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) avoided a crucial loss against the Adamson Men’s Football Team (AdU) in the season-opening fixture of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament, 1-1.
The intense bout happened earlier this afternoon at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.
The matchup began with a fiery start, as both teams aggressively looked to gain an early lead in the first half. Despite early attempts by the Soaring Falcons at a goal, the Blue and White’s star goalkeeper Artuz Cezar manned the Ateneo defense with multiple saves.
Early on, Ateneo star-striker Agyei nearly gave the Katipunan-based team the lead in the 18th minute, as his corner kick-situated attempt almost crossed the goal line.
Shortly after, AMFT defender Wilmar Lopez exited the pitch in the 27th minute after sustaining a momentary injury. With no one replacing him, Ateneo continued the half with only ten players.
Late in the first half, Adamson’s Lorent Jayaon booked the first goal after gaining possession from an Ateneo turnover in the 47th minute. This allowed the Falcons to close the half with a slim lead, 1-0.
Despite the deficit, the AMFT displayed a positive performance at halftime, as five out of their six shots were on target.
Both squads entered the second half of the matchup with the same pace. The Blue Eagles found multiple opportunities to score through counterattacks and corner kicks, but were unable to get one through the net.
Midway through the second frame, Agyei spearheaded the AMFT offense midway by finding chances to score in the 64th and 66th minutes. His biggest chance at an equalizer was at the 72-minute mark, as his one-man counterattack hit the goalpost but was once again denied of their first goal of the season.
With an Adamson win nearing, the Blue Eagles dramatically found their way back in the matchup after Matteo Roxas assisted in Agyei’s header in the 90th minute. Despite the goal giving Ateneo the momentum with six minutes of extra time, they were unable to score a lead-giving goal.
Although the match ended at a standstill, Agyei’s last-minute goal allowed him to earn Man of the Match honors. The Ateneo striker gave his thoughts on how to best lock in for the succeeding games after today’s close battle:
“We must prepare for all the schools. We prepare for everything. Now the goal is to win, we’re not here just to play. We’re here to win the championship,” preached Agyei.
The AMFT look to earn their first win of the season as they square off against the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, February 25 at 4:30 PM in the same venue.
