The Philippine U-22 Men’s National Football Team ended its 33rd Southeast Asian Games campaign on a disappointing note, falling 2-1 to Malaysia on Thursday at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium.
While the loss extends the Philippines’ wait for a SEA Games podium finish, Malaysia celebrates a return to the top three for the first time since 2017.
The victory marked the Malaysians’ third SEA Games bronze overall, following successes in 2003 and 2005.
Malaysian forward Haqimi Azim played a pivotal role, inadvertently scoring an own goal to give the Philippines an equalizer in the 37th minute, but redeeming himself by netting the match-winning goal in the 44th minute.
Earlier, Danish Hakimi put Malaysia ahead with a 28th-minute tap-in after the Philippines failed to clear their lines.
The Philippines nearly leveled the score again when defender Isaiah Alakiu headed a chance, only for Malaysian goalkeeper Sharani Zulhilmi to make the save.
Jax Peña also had a half-chance, which was comfortably caught by Zulhilmi.
In the final moments, the Philippines sent goalkeeper Nicholas Guimares into the Malaysian box, hoping for a miraculous goal from Sandro Reyes’ corner kick, but a foul was called, and Malaysia held on for the win.
Despite the loss, this tournament marked the Philippines’ first appearance in the SEA Games final four since 1991, finishing the campaign with two wins and two losses.
