UST 1-0 ADMU: Nartey, Growling Tigers keep Final Four hopes alive

PHOTO CREDITS: UAAP

The UST Growling Tigers secured a crucial 1-0 win over the ADMU Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 85 Men's Football Tournament, at the UP Diliman Football Field this Sunday. Ghanaian Daniel Nartey's 36th-minute strike made the difference in a closely-contested match.

The Blue Eagles pressed early, with the pair of Leo Maquiling and Sky Guerrero threatening the UST defense.

However, it was UST who had their first clear-cut chance in the 13th minute, Daniel Guariña only heading wide from a corner. Archie Belluga also came close in the 26th from inside the penalty area for the Growling Tigers, but his attempt was saved by Ateneo shot-stopper Artuz Cezar.

Ateneo responded with chances of their own, with Maquiling marauding down the left side. His cross down the byline was headed by Fernando Roxas off the bar, Guerrero unable to capitalize on the rebound after 29 minutes.

But just when the Blue Eagles had seemed to find their groove, the Growling Tigers pounced on the counterattacks, leading to Nartey's goal in the 36th minute. It would have been two for UST late in the half, with a Nartey shot disallowed for offside.

The boys from España kept forcing counterattacks as they tried to extend their lead. Kyler Escobar came close on the break in the 58th minute, with Songalia having his header saved off a free kick in the 68th.

At this point, chances for the Blue Eagles were few and far between. Yet they could have equalized in the 70th minute, substitute Kofi Agyei with a missed touch inside the 18-yard box.

"Our hopes for the top four spot are still alive. Ateneo had a lot of chances in the second but we managed to defend well. Binigyan kami ng Ateneo so buhay pa kami para sa top four," said coach Marjo Allado.

After the day's fixtures, the Growling Tigers moved up to fourth (16 points, +2 GD) and will close the elimination round against FEU on April 30. The Blue Eagles remain in second spot (17 points, +1 GD) with two matches left, first against UE on April 27, and against bitter rivals DLSU on May 4.