“Congratulations to Thailand on winning the battle for third place. Our U23 squad’s fourth-place finish at the ASEAN tournament is a historic first and a clear sign of our team’s upward trajectory. We commend our players, coaches, staff, and management for making our nation proud. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the passionate support of our stakeholders, sponsors, parents, and every Filipino football fan,” said PFF President John Gutierrez.
The Philippine under-23 men’s national team (PMNT U23) achieved its highest ranking in the ASEAN U23 Championship as perennial podium finisher Thailand U23 won the 2025 Mandiri Cup bronze medal, 3-1, on Monday in Jakarta.
The team fought hard until the final whistle, potentially sending the game to extra time in the final minutes, despite conceding goals to Thailand U23 in the 29th and 75th minutes.
Forward Otu Banatao sparked hope in the 79th minute, heading in the Philippines U23’s first goal in the 79th minute off Gavin Muens’ lob from midfield.
Down 1-2, the Philippines U23 created several pieces, resulting in two dangerous chances to equalize.
Two minutes later, late sub Jico Libarnes of Far Eastern University had a header on goal off a chance created by Banatao but was saved by Sorawat Phosaman.
Banatao had another clear chance at an equalizer but his header of Jian Caraig’s long throw toward the penalty box hit the woodwork in the 86th minute.
This resulted in a quick counterattack by Thailand U23, with vice-captain Seksan Ratree striking the insurance goal off the break.
Libarnes had another chance to score but his strike in the 88th minute was blocked by Chaiyaphon Otton.
What does it mean for the players to reach the semifinals?
“For the youth national team programs, this tournament is a stepping stone towards the Asian Cup and the SEA Games at the end of the year. This tournament provided a platform to give our players exposure at this level of competition. And for many of our team, these are the hardest games that they have played in their careers. Now we know our own levels when put up against the strongest nations in South East Asia,” Head Coach Garrath McPherson said of the semi-finals stint.
He continued, “We have used this campaign to create an identity, a playing style. If we come here with the intention to sit low, defend for long periods we don’t get to see the true qualities of our players. What they have achieved is a positive sign as to where our players are at the moment and each player leaves with clear understanding of how they can move their own game forward.”
Despite the result, the Philippines U23 has achieved its highest rank in ASEAN football and will next vie for a slot in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup in the qualifying tournament in Tajikistan in September, then closing the year in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
