PH U23 team books historic semifinals spot in Mandiri Cup

MANILA, July 24 ------ The Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team has made history at the 2025 U23 ASEAN Championship Mandiri Cup being held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The young squad, led by coach Garrath McPherson, secured its first ever semifinals appearance in the regional tournament. The Philippines finished second in Group A with six points after beating Malaysia and Brunei. However, they needed to await the results of the fixtures between Vietnam and Cambodia as well as Thailand and Myanmar to advance to the semis as the second team.

Vietnam scored a 2-1 victory over Cambodia, while Thailand and Myanmar settled for a draw on Tuesday night. The Philippines needed Vietnam to avoid a loss against Cambodia, while Thailand must do the same. The favorable results from Tuesday's fixtures allowed the Philippines to officially claim a spot in the semifinals, after finishing best first runner-up in the group stage.

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Gutierrez commended the young squad for its historic achievement. "Our U23 Men's Team reaching the Mandiri Cup semi-finals is a historic moment for Philippine football. Their incredible run shows what a team, embodying the SAMA-SAMA spirit, can achieve. We're excited to carry this forward and make their dreams a reality. We are immensely proud," Gutierrez said.

PFF said the group stage performance of the U-23 team, where they got two wins, was 'the best result ever for the country at this level. Philippines will take on Vietnam in the knockout match at the Gelaro Bung Karno Stadium on Friday. Thailand will take on tournament hosts Indonesia in the same venue after the first semis fixture.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com