THE Philippines will go for its first podium finish when it faces Thailand in the battle for third place in the 2025 Asean U23 Championships Mandiri Cup in Indonesia on July 28, 2025.
The two teams were relegated to the battle for the bronze after losing in the semifinal round matches that they were leading. The Philippines took a 1-0 lead against defending champion Vietnam but lost, 2-1, while Thailand conceded an equalizer six minutes from time and lost via shootout to Indonesia, 7-6, in the other semifinal.
“To give the defending champs a run for their money is already an achievement in itself. We congratulate Vietnam for an amazing win but more importantly, we congratulate our U23 team for making the country proud,” said PFF president John Gutierrez.
This year’s U23 campaign has been the most successful so far for the country as the Philippines made the knockout stage for the first time after finishing as the best second-place team in the three groups.
The Philippines finished with six points with victories over Malaysia (2-0) and Brunei (2-0) bookending its lone loss to host Indonesia (1-0).
“To our players and coaching staff, we are very proud of you, and we will support you 100 percent. Let’s go for the podium finish!” said Gutierrez.