The Philippines will meet defending champion Vietnam in the semifinal round of the Asean U23 championships, the first time the country made it out of the group stage of the competition.
The Philippines, which finished second in Group A with six points, emerged as the best second-ranked team after Vietnam defeated Cambodia, 2-1, and Thailand played to a scoreless draw against Myanmar.
The other semifinal will be between Group C winner Thailand and host Indonesia, the top team in Group A.
“Congratulations to the U23 national team. Your campaign in the ASEAN championship has been truly inspiring. We commend every player, coach, and staff for what you have achieved thus far. We thank all the fans that have shown their support. Together, let’s continue building on this,” said PFF president John Gutierrez.
Against Brunei, Javier Mariona opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a well-taken penalty kick, awarded after Brunei’s Wafiq Danish fouled Jax Peña inside the box. Despite numerous on-target shots, the Philippines found their insurance goal in the 85th minute when Tuloy Foundation’s Harry Nuñez, named Man of the Match, skillfully converted a cutback from Mariona.
Regardless of what comes next in the Mandiri Cup, the commitment to a brighter future for Philippine football endures.
PFF president John Gutierrez
“Javier and Harry’s goals were crucial. They showed incredible resolve and skill when it mattered most,” said Gutierrez.
The semifinal outing in the Asean U23 championship is the team’s best showing in the event, having only scored one point in 2023, finishing third in Group A in 2022, and finishing last with three losses in 2019.
“Regardless of what comes next in the Mandiri Cup, the commitment to a brighter future for Philippine football endures,” Gutierrez said.