MANILA — The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons pulled off a dramatic late comeback, scoring in the 90+9th minute before sealing the match in extra time to defeat Far Eastern University, 2–1, and capture the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Football championship at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
With the title slipping away, Charles Lobitaña calmly converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to force extra time, before Ramil Bation III delivered the knockout blow in the 104th minute, completing a stirring rally that secured UP’s 20th men’s football championship — and its first since Season 86.
The Fighting Maroons, who topped the elimination round with 29 points, showed poise under pressure after trailing for most of the contest. FEU struck first just before halftime when Karl Absalon headed in a cross from Czam Acueta in the second minute of stoppage time, putting the Tamaraws within sight of the crown.
UP refused to fold.
Bation III, Shaun Saludez, and Joseph Garces led wave after wave of attacks in the second half, but FEU’s defense stood firm as the clock ticked down. Just when the Tamaraws appeared poised to reclaim the championship, Florenz Tacardon drew a crucial penalty inside the box in the 90+9th minute.
Lobitaña stepped up and buried the equalizer, sending the UP faithful into a frenzy and forcing extra time.
Riding the surge of momentum, the Fighting Maroons struck decisively in the 104th minute as Bation III finished from close range off a cross, completing one of the most dramatic finals in recent UAAP history.
“These guys deserve all the credit here,” said UP coach Popoy Clarino. “They worked together for the whole year. They made sacrifices. It was a hard year, but because of the sacrifice and the love that they gave each other, they deserved to win this. They deserved to have this. What a final. I thank FEU for giving us a game that brought out the best in us.”
The championship underscored UP’s dominance throughout the season. The Fighting Maroons advanced to the final after a 1–0 semifinal victory over De La Salle University and capped their campaign with seven clean sheets while conceding only eight goals.
Tacardon and Lobitaña were named co-Most Valuable Players for their pivotal roles, while UP also claimed the Fair Play Award. Fonzy Gonzalez was honored as Best Goalkeeper, and Lobitaña added Best Defender to his accolades.
Despite the heartbreak, FEU’s Selwyn Mamon emerged as Golden Boot and Best Striker with 10 goals, while teammate Kean Niu earned Rookie of the Year honors. Ateneo de Manila University’s Dov Cariño was named Best Midfielder with five goals and seven assists.
University of Santo Tomas secured third place, marking its first bronze medal finish since Season 86./PN
