FEU humbles UP, stakes UAAP football crown against La Salle

MANILA, Philippines—Arnel Amita recovered his fumble from the spot and stunned University of the Philippines goalkeeper Ace Villanueva to give Far Eastern University a 1-0 victory in the semifinals of the UAAP Season 77 football tournament Sunday evening at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

FEU will defend its title against La Salle, which beat Ateneo in the other semifinals match, 1-0, in the finals.

Amita went to the penalty spot in the 98th minute only to have his shot go straight to the block of Villanueva, but he recovered and struck it just to the right side of the goal.

UP striker Gerardo Valmayor had the opportunity for an equalizer but his free kick in the 101st minute went above the crossbar.

Amita said they wouldn’t let up and the semis are just a hurdle for them to reach the finals.

“We’re so happy that we reached the finals, we returned to the finals,” Amita said. “All I can say is we can’t relax.”

“We know that La Salle will just become stronger in the finals.”

FEU could’ve had an earlier 1-0 lead in the 92nd minute but the game official ruled out Audie Menzi’s free kick after he shot it just before the referee’s whistle.