Philippines U23 secures best ASEAN finish with 4th place

JAKARTA — The Philippine under-23 men’s national football team (PMNFT U23) recorded its highest-ever finish in the ASEAN U23 Championship, clinching fourth place in the 2025 Mandiri Cup following a hard-fought 3-1 defeat to Thailand in the bronze medal match on Monday.

“Congratulations to Thailand on winning the battle for third place,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Gutierrez.

“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,” Gutierrez added.

“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.”

The Philippines U23 entered the match determined, managing to keep pace with regional powerhouse Thailand until the dying minutes.

Thailand struck in the 29th and 75th minutes, but forward Otu Banatao revived hopes for the Philippines in the 79th minute with a header off a midfield lob from Gavin Muens, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.

Momentum shifted briefly as the young Filipinos created back-to-back scoring chances.

Substitute Jico Libarnes of Far Eastern University nearly equalized in the 81st minute with a header saved by Thai keeper Sorawat Phosaman.

Banatao came close again in the 86th, but his header off Jian Caraig’s long throw hit the crossbar, leading to a quick Thai counterattack and a third goal by vice-captain Seksan Ratree.

Despite the late setback, the Philippines U23 produced a commendable performance that marks significant progress for the national youth program.

“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,” said Head Coach Garrath McPherson.

“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.”

McPherson emphasized that the squad is beginning to forge its identity.

“We have used this campaign to create an identity, a playing style,” he said.

“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.”

The fourth-place finish is the highest-ever ranking by the Philippines in ASEAN U23 tournament history, surpassing previous campaigns.

The team now shifts focus to the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers in Tajikistan this September, followed by the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand at year’s end.