MANILA -- Kofi Agyei found the back of the net twice to lift Ateneo de Manila University to a 2-1 triumph against University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 men's football tournament, Thursday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.
It was a bounce-back win for the Blue Eagles, who are now in second place with six points and a +4 goal difference. They are just ahead of La Salle (4 points, 0 GD), setting the stage for their rivalry match on Sunday.
Agyei struck first in the 29th minute after converting a long delivery from Mateo Lacson.
He then doubled Ateneo's advantage in the second half by finishing a low cross from Dov Cariño, bringing his personal tally this season to four goals.
Ateneo's Kofi Agyei celebrates after scoring against UST in the UAAP Season 88 men's football tournament, October 2, 2025 at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite. UAAP Media
"Kailangan naming bumawi dito sa third game namin kasi most of my key players ay wala, may injuries," said coach Paul Madrona, who stood in for head coach JP Merida, serving a one-match suspension. "So, now, nag-rely kami sa mga key players na natira. Hindi naman nagbago 'yung game plan; gano'n pa rin.
"Nag-rely lang rin kami sa mga seniors namin na mag-step up na kausapin 'yung mga rookies namin this time, kasi baka maiwan kami sa standings."
The Blue Eagles signaled their intent early, leaning on captain Dov Cariño's steady play on the wings and his link-up with fellow forwards Agyei and Joziah Rance, before finally breaking through just before the half-hour mark.
UST, however, nearly pulled one back after Agyei's second goal.
Chris Valderama's strike was denied by Ateneo keeper Alfonso Loja, and the ensuing corner came to nothing.
Late in the match, the Golden Booters amped up the pressure and were rewarded with a penalty after Ateneo committed an infraction inside the box.
Substitute Archie Belluga's spot kick was initially saved by Loja, but the rebound fell kindly to the senior midfielder, who slotted home the consolation goal.
UST will try to bounce back when it faces defending champion FEU Tamaraws (3 pts, GD +1) on Sunday at 6 p.m.