In a dominating display of skill and determination, Ateneo soared to the top of the UAAP Season 86 men’s football tournament standings with a resounding 4-0 triumph over University of the East (UE) on Thursday at the UP Football Field.

Leading the charge for the Blue Eagles was Kofi Agyei, who delivered a stellar performance by netting a hat-trick, showcasing his prowess on the pitch.

Agyei wasted no time making an impact as he opened Ateneo’s account in the 37th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed cross from Galen Fernandez to put his team in the lead.

Before the halftime whistle, Agyei struck again, this time finding the back of the net with an open goal opportunity in the 44th minute, doubling Ateneo’s advantage and setting the tone for the remainder of the match.

The Ateneo forward continued his scoring spree in the second half, showcasing his aerial prowess by heading in another goal in the 70th minute. Just two minutes later, Agyei completed his hat-trick, capping off a remarkable performance that earned praise from coach JP Merida.

“It feels good. I’m really proud of myself. We just kept on pushing,” expressed Agyei, who now boasts four goals in the season.

Coach Merida lauded Agyei’s exceptional performance, highlighting his contribution to the team’s success on the field. The Blue Eagles mentor commended his squad’s defensive discipline and effective communication, which played pivotal roles in securing the convincing victory over UE.

With the win, Ateneo seized the top spot in the standings with seven points, positioning themselves as early contenders for championship glory in the season.

Looking ahead, Ateneo braces for a highly anticipated showdown against holders Far Eastern University (FEU) in a rematch of last season’s Final. The upcoming clash against FEU presents an opportunity for Ateneo to avenge their defeat and reclaim their status as the reigning champions of UAAP men’s football.