Reigning champ UP blanks Ateneo in UAAP football

Defending champion University of the Philippines beat Ateneo, 2-0, to grab its second win in the 72nd UAAP men’s football tournament Thursday at the Ateneo field.

Deo Segunial opened the scoring with a goal in injury time before Ghanaian player Ayi Nii Aryee made booted one more in the 88th minute to seal the win for the Fighting Maroons.

Ayi made his debut after finally being allowed to play for completing his alien residential certificate. Ayi made the news four years ago after he was stranded in the Diosdado Macapagal Airport for seven months as he was supposed to try out for a Singaporean team but was victimized by a dubious agent.

UP coach Frank Muescam also credited the Fighting Maroons’ defense as they contained Ateneo’s strikers.

The loss dropped the Blue Eagles to their first loss after winning their opening game against Far Eastern University.

University of Santo Tomas, meanwhile, also took its second win after a 2-0 decision against University of the East.

Christian de Juan scored in the fourth minute while Mark Clarino followed in the 83rd.

FEU got its first victory beating La Salle, 1-0.

Dexter Chio had an early goal in the fourth minute to barge in the win column after that loss to the Blue Eagles.

De La Salle and UE remained winless in two matches. – GMANews.TV