Action between FEU and Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament, November 21, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaMANILA -- Far Eastern University charged to the Final 4 after taking down Ateneo de Manila University, 1-0, in the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Ace Amita scored the marginal goal in the 41st minute, converting off a Khent Valenzuela cross.
"The most important thing now [is] that we already qualified for the Final 4, so the first objective is done," said FEU head coach Roman Oliver.
"It's always important for the team to win matches. We had four matches in a row without conceding any goal. So I think we're in a good way, competing in the next matches, and we're already ready for the Final 4," he added.
The win put the Tamaraws in second place with 20 points and a +18 goal difference, inching closer to the top-ranked Blue Eagles, who are still at 24 points on +20 goal difference.
Second stringer Carlo Hulagno shone on defense for FEU, marking Ateneo's main offensive hubs in Dov Cariño and Leo Maquiling.
"His aptitude, his performance, how he recovered the ball, and how he played was amazing," Oliver said of Hulagno.
Ateneo had a chance to equalize when Cariño found Fernando Roxas shortly before the hour mark, but Mon Diansuy made a crucial clearance for the Tamaraws.
This marks the second loss of the season for Ateneo, who will try to bounce back next Thursday against the University of the East.
Meanwhile, FEU will face De La Salle on Sunday at 4pm at the UP Football field.