The 1st day of UAAP Season 88 Football began yesterday, September 21, at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub Football Field in where fans saw 3 matches unfold.
Kofi Agyei’s Heroics Help Ateneo Crush Adamson
To open up the Day 1 Festivities, the first match featured Ateneo de Manila University going up against Adamson University. The Blue Eagles versus the Soaring Falcons.
The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Ghanaian striker Kofi Agyei, back in the lineup after sitting out last season due to injury and academic concerns, calmly slotted home the opener from a perfectly timed through ball by new team captain Dov Cariño.
After the break, Ateneo doubled its lead in the 64th minute as Cariño stepped up himself, curling a free kick beyond the reach of Falcons goalkeeper Sean Chua.
The Soaring Falcons created problems in the Ateneo box, forcing midfielder Marcus Arias into a goal-line clearance. Roberto Roldan and Cameroonian winger Golike Dany Doko also came close, but both squandered their opportunities to put the team on the scoresheet.
The Blue Eagles then sealed the contest in the 82nd minute, when Agyei completed his brace with a precise header that capped a dominant return to action.
FINAL SCORE: ADAMSON 0 – 3 ATENEO
For head coach JP Merida, the link-up between his key attackers showed great promise for the season ahead.
“Going into this game, I was confident that both of them would combine,” said the three-time champion mentor.
“My idea was that they would score. In my view, I thought Dov would have scored the first goal, but of course, Kofi did well. We’re happy because Dov and Kofi’s combination upfront is amazing. It’s a good start for us.”
Ramil Bation III Saves the Day for UP against U.E.
In the 2nd game, the University of the Philippines played the University of the East. It’s also worth noting that the UP Head Coach and 2 other key players for the Fighting Maroons are missing the action against the Red Warriors.
The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when striker Ramil Bation III, last season’s seven-goal scorer, rose to meet a well-placed set-piece and nodded the ball into the net. His header provided the Fighting Maroons with the cushion they needed against a determined UE side.
Moments after falling behind, the Red Warriors nearly struck back when they hit the post.
In the second half, they pressed harder, testing UP’s defense with half-chances and long entries into the box. Even as two Fighting Maroons briefly stayed down on the turf, UE could not make the pressure count.
As the match entered seven minutes of added time, substitute Edmar Adonis tried to level with a free kick, but UP goalkeeper Alfonso Gonzalez saved comfortably. In stoppage time, a dangerous cross from the right flank also went begging, as no Red Warrior managed to connect. Gonzalez eventually gathered the ensuing corner, sealing the victory.
FINAL SCORE: UE 0 – 1 UP
UP played the match without Popoy Clarino, along with Charles Lobitaña and Eric Mink Cachuella, who also remained suspended due to their involvement in last year’s incident against FEU.
“It was a good goal,” said assistant coach Ojay Clarino, who called the shots in place of his older brother Popoy, sidelined by a touchline ban after last year’s semifinal clash against Far Eastern University.
“Also, it was a good delivery from Cian Galsim. As long as the ball is delivered well, we have players inside who can capitalize.”
Assistant Coach Ojay Clarino then emphasized that the team still needs a lot of improvement to go through this season.
“Maybe for the players it feels like revenge, but we’re focusing on one game at a time. The goal is to correct our mistakes and improve as a team as the season progresses.”
CJ Songalia and Kyler Escobar Rose to the Occasion for UST
In the last game, it was the host school University of Santo Tomas, against De La Salle University. The Golden Booters of UST versus the Green Booters of La Salle.
The Golden Booters surged ahead in the first half, with CJ Songalia striking from distance in the 14th minute to beat La Salle goalkeeper Edcel James Lauron. Before halftime, Kyler Escobar coolly slotted home in the 42nd minute, giving UST a commanding 2-0 cushion.
Songalia almost added a second to his tally after the break when UST earned a penalty for handball inside the Green Booters’ box. However, Lauron guessed correctly and pushed away his attempt, keeping La Salle’s hopes alive.
That save gave the Green Booters momentum, and they pressed hard in the second half. Rookie James Sibla appeared to have drawn level earlier in the game but saw his effort ruled offside.
Later, sophomore forward Lukie Aguilar came close when he rattled the crossbar, before eventually forcing an own goal off Sam Alegre in the 83rd minute. The late strike narrowed the gap, but UST held firm until the final whistle to secure all three points.
FINAL SCORE: DE LA SALLE 1 – 2 UST
“Commendable first half from the boys. They played really well,” said UST coach Marjo Allado, who enjoyed victories in both the men’s and women’s divisions to start the season.
“But in the second half, it was scary because we collapsed a bit. After that penalty save by La Salle, they got the momentum to score an equalizer. Overall, though, the players’ fighting spirit was there.”
Up Next: Action Continues on September 25
In Week #2 of UAAP Season 88 Men’s Football, more teams will make their debut while the other teams seek to get back in the win column and extend their winning streak
September 25 (Thursday) – Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub Football Field
- 1st Game (2:00 PM) – De La Salle University vs University of the East
- 2nd Game (4:30 PM) – University of Santo Tomas vs Adamson University
- 3rd Game (7:00 PM) – Far Eastern University vs University of the Philippines
