Bisong bags brace as Philippines shuts out Malaysia in Mandiri Cup opener

July 16 ------ Powered by Otu Bisong’s brace, the Philippine Under-23 Men’s National Team blanked Malaysia, 2-0, to kick off its ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025 campaign in style on Tuesday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

Bisong, an 18-year-old striker from Virginia, USA, opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the match off a fine assist from teammate Javier Mariona. He then doubled the lead with a composed finish in the 41st minute, sealing the win before halftime.

The result places coach Garrath McPherson’s squad at the top of Group A with three points, as groupmates Indonesia and Brunei have yet to play their opening match later tonight. Both teams will return to action this Friday at the same venue. The Philippines is set to face host nation Indonesia at 9:00 PM (Manila time), while Malaysia will take on Brunei earlier at 6:00 PM.

Malaysia XI: Sharani (GK), F Danish, Shamsul (C), Hakimi, Yusuf, Yuslan, Tierney, Khalil, H Danish, Rosli, Basheer.

Philippines XI: Guimaraes (GK), Muens (C), Leddel, Amirul, Meriño, Bisong, Peña, Cariño, Lucero, Taningco, Mariona.

Source: tiebreakertimes.com.ph