For the first time since 1991, the Philippines has triumphantly secured a spot in the Final Four of the Southeast Asian Games men’s football tournament.
The Philippine Under-22 Men’s National Team broke new ground by earning its long-awaited semifinals berth at the 33rd SEA Games, defeating defending champion Indonesia 1–0 at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai.
Just before halftime, Filipino-American forward Otu Banatao delivered the decisive blow, heading the ball into the net in the 45+1st minute to give the Philippines the lead.
With this victory, the Philippines advances out of Group C as the top seed, boasting six points from two consecutive wins.
This marks the second time coach Garrath McPherson will guide the country into the semifinals of an international youth competition, following his success at the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025 last July.
The Philippines will return to action next Monday at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, facing the winner of Group A or Group B. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. Manila time.
