Ateneo's Kofi Agyei (9) in action against UE in the UAAP Season 86 men's football tournament on February 29, 2024 at the UP Football Field. UAAP Media.

MANILA -- Ghana's Kofi Agyei netted a hat-trick as Ateneo de Manila University romped past the University of the East, 4-0, in the UAAP Season 86 men's football tournament on Thursday at the UP Football Field.

The big victory propelled the Blue Eagles to the top of the table with seven points.

Agyei opened the Blue Eagles' account in the 37th minute when he turned in a Galen Fernandez cross. He doubled their lead just before the break, scoring an open goal in the 44th minute, then completed his hat-trick in the 70th before getting subbed out two minutes later.

"It feels good. I'm really proud of myself. We just kept on pushing," said Agyei, who now has four goals in the season.

"I'm so happy with Kofi. He performed really well," said coach JP Merida.

An 87th minute header from Marco Salud completed the scoring for Ateneo.

Up next for Ateneo is holders Far Eastern University in a rematch of last season's Final on Thursday. The Tamaraws unseated the Blue Eagles in the throne with a 4-1 victory in the championship match last May.

"It's a tough game on March 7, playing against the defending champions. We have more time to prepare against them," said Merida. "Playing against FEU, you need to be consistent, especially defending and attacking."

The Red Warriors, meanwhile, remained at three points. UE is actually level with FEU, University of the Philippines, and University of Santo Tomas but the Recto-based side now sits in sixth place by virtue of inferior goal difference.