The historic run of the Philippine Under-22 Men’s National Team at this edition of the Southeast Asian Games came to an agonizing end just short of the promised land.
The Philippines suffered a heartbreaking 2-0 defeat in its semifinal clash against Vietnam on Monday at the iconic Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, conceding twice in the dying minutes of the match.
With the score still level as the game approached the final whistle, Vietnam managed to strike first in devastating fashion.
Nguyen Phi Hoang’s cross from the left flank found substitute Le Van Thuan, who headed the ball into the back of the net in the 89th minute.
Moments later, Vietnam sealed the victory when Nguyen Thanh Nhan curled a free kick past Philippines goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes. The goal secured the Golden Star Warriors’ return to the final for the first time since the 31st SEA Games, giving them a chance to claim their fourth gold medal in the competition.
Despite the semifinal loss, Garrath McPherson’s squad still has an opportunity to end its campaign on a high note by claiming the Philippines’ first-ever bronze medal in the men’s football competition at the SEA Games.
Both Vietnam and the Philippines will return to action this Thursday at the same venue.
Vietnam will face the winner of the Thailand-Malaysia semifinal in the gold medal match at 8:30 PM (Manila time).
Meanwhile, the Philippines will take on the loser of that semifinal in the bronze medal match at 4:30 PM (Manila time).
