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.
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