With the game still tied at nil and on the brink of heading into an extension, it was a late substitute that provided the shining bright light.
Gelo Diamante, in his first game back from an injury, scored on the 88th minute to propel the De La Salle Green Booters to the UAAP Finals for the first time in 10 years with a 1-0 win over Ateneo in their semis match yesterday.
The team, still undefeated in the tournament will battle defending champion FEU for the title next week.
Sidelined for the entire second round due to a broken clavicle, Diamante made a triumphant return at the 75th minute replacing his older brother and team captain Gio. With a few minutes left in regulation, he shot the ball from near the top left-hand corner to give the Green Booters the win.
“I just took a chance on him. In a game like this, all your weapons should be ready,” said La Salle coach Hans Smit on the third-year player
La Salle is looking to end a 17-year UAAP title drought in Men’s Football.
The no-tomorrow championship match will be on March 8, 4PM at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.