Tams, Green Booters seal UAAP football finals battle

MANILA, Philippines—Top seeds De La Salle and Far Eastern University hammered out dramatic victories Sunday to forge a finals showdown in the UAAP Season 77 men’s football tournament at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Substitute Gelo Diamante made a triumphant return from injury, knocking in the goal that lifted the Green Booters to a 1-0 win over fierce rival Ateneo.

Arnel Amita struck in first half extra time as the Tamaraws kept their title retention bid alive with a 1-0 nipping of University of the Philippines in the other semifinal pairing.

The finals is slated Sunday with FEU actually targeting a rare hat-trick as the Sampaloc-based school is also in the championship round of the women’s and juniors’ divisions.

Sidelined by injury in the second round, Diamante’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for coach Hans Smit’s side. Coming in for brother, Gio, in the 75th minute, Diamante unleashed a long-range rocket that took the fight out of the Eagles and sent La Salle’s green-clad supporters into delirium.

“I just took a chance on him (Gelo Diamante),” said Smit whose team remained undefeated this season. “In a game like this, you use all your weapons.”

The Green Booters are eyeing their first championship since winning back-to-back titles in 1998.

Amita followed up his saved penalty in the 99th minute, breaking the deadlock and ending UP’s run of four straight finals appearances.

RELATED STORIES

FEU humbles UP, stakes UAAP football crown against La Salle

La Salle upends Ateneo, books UAAP Football finals ticket