The Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team kept its semifinal hopes alive in the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025 with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Brunei on Monday at the Patriot Stadium in Indonesia.
Filipino-American midfielder Javier Mariona broke the deadlock with a composed penalty in the 21st minute, giving the Filipinos the early edge.
Late in the match, substitute Harry Nuñez delivered the insurance goal with a clinical strike in the 85th minute to secure all three points for the Philippines.
Despite the win, the team had its share of missed opportunities. Otu Banatao, who starred in the opening-day triumph over Malaysia, had his penalty kick saved by Brunei goalkeeper Khairul Hisyam. Minutes later, Filipino defender Jaime Rosquillo had what could have been the second goal ruled out due to a foul.
Mariona and Nuñez’s goals, however, ensured that those missed chances wouldn’t haunt the team.
The victory lifted the Philippines to second place in Group A with six points, coming from wins over Malaysia and Brunei. Host nation Indonesia topped the group with seven points after defeating both Brunei and the Philippines, and earning a draw against Malaysia.
Now, it’s a waiting game for coach Garrath McPherson’s squad.
To advance as the best second-placed team into the semifinals, the Philippines will need favorable results in Tuesday night’s fixtures — specifically, Vietnam must avoid defeat against Cambodia, while Thailand must do the same against Myanmar.
However, due to tournament rules, the Philippines’ win over Brunei will not count in the second-place ranking. That’s because Brunei finished fourth in Group A, and Groups B and C only have three teams each.
Still, if results go their way, this determined group of Filipino U-23 standouts could make history as the first to lead the country to the semifinals of this regional tournament.
Philippines XI: Guimarães, Amirul, Rosquillo, Galsim, Meriño, Mariona, Lucero, Dalapo (C), Peña, Aldeguer, Cariño
Brunei XI: Norihwan, D Aiman, Faisal, Danish, Azr Danial, N Aiman (C), Hilmi, Chin, Azh Danial, Sapawi, H Aiman.
