The Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team ended its historic ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025 campaign on a bittersweet note, falling short in the bronze medal match with a 3-1 loss to Thailand, Monday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
While the final result was a tough pill to swallow, it should not overshadow the team’s landmark achievement — becoming the first U-23 squad from the Philippines to advance past the group stage and record the country’s best points tally in five appearances at the tournament.
Down 2-0, the Filipinos found a glimmer of hope in the 79th minute when Otu Banatao headed in a goal to cut the deficit.
But any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed.
Just seven minutes later, Seksan Ratree — subbed in for Siraphop Wandee in the 85th minute — sealed the win for Thailand. His goal in the 86th minute restored the War Elephants’ two-goal cushion and put the result beyond doubt.
Thailand showcased their quality earlier in the match with two well-taken goals: Phanthamit Praphanth broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with a close-range finish past Philippine goalkeeper Nicholas Guimarães.
Then came a superb curling strike from Candee in the 74th that left the Filipinos with a mountain to climb.
Despite falling short of the podium, the Philippines U-23 team will look to build on this strong showing as they shift their focus to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, set to take place this December in Thailand.
Philippines XI: Guimarães (GK), Muens (C), Villanueva, Amirul, Banatao, Cariño, Lucelo, Rosquillo, Caraig, Dalapo, Mariona.
Thailand XI: Phosaman (GK), Boonlha, Suksakit, Burapha, Prachuabmon, Wandee, Praphanth, Otton, Sienkrathok, Maneekorn, Noiwong.
