By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--FEU needed extra time before pouncing UP, 1-0, in an early rematch of last year's championship series in the other knockout semifinal of the UAAP men's football tournament at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Sunday night.
Arnel Amita struck the lone goal of the match nine minutes into the overtime session as he followed up on a penalty miss to once again break the hearts of the Fighting Maroons, who lost last year but this time held the Tamaraws in the regulation.
The Tamaraws, however, also put up a good defense against Jinggoy Valmayor, who was instrumental in both teams' elimination meetings.
The game-turning point happened in the 98th minute, when the referee whistled for a UP handball inside its own box.
Amita took the opportunity to go for the spot kick, but his shot went straight to Ace Villanueva. With no other player chasing for the loose ball, Amita quickly got it back and struck the putback from close range.
FEU then continued to frustrate UP's offense later in the extra time as the latter only threatened once since the Amita goal with a Valmayor attempt that went high over the crossbar.
The Tamaraws will face the De La Salle Green Booters in the final set for Sunday night at the said venue.
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