In the end, it simply wasn’t meant to be for the valiant Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team.
With the dream of qualifying for the 2025 ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup hanging in the balance, the Philippines suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to tournament favorite Vietnam on Friday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
Midfielder Javier Mariona gave coach Garrath McPherson’s side a dream start, slotting home a clinical finish from close range in the 35th minute.
But Vietnam quickly found its rhythm. Nguyen Dinh Bac equalized in the 41st minute, tapping in the rebound after his initial attempt rattled off the post.
The Golden Star Warriors completed their comeback early in the second half.
Nguyen Xuan Bac delivered a powerful header past Philippines goalkeeper Nicholas Guimarães in the 54th minute, giving Vietnam the lead for the first time.
The night went from bad to worse for the Philippines when Noah Leddel was sent off in stoppage time (90+5), capping off a frustrating finish.
Despite the disappointing result, the Philippines can still cap off its historic campaign on a positive note by aiming for the bronze medal this Monday.
Vietnam, meanwhile, will vie for the gold on Tuesday against the winner of the Indonesia-Thailand semifinal.
Vietnam XI: Tran Trung Kiên (GK), Nguyen Phi Hoáng, Nguyen Hieu Minh, Nguyen Nhat Minh, Võ Anh Quân, Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Công Phuong, Nguyen Van Truong, Khuat Van Khang (C), Nguyen Dình Bac.
Philippines XI: Guimarães (GK), Caraig, Mariona, Meriño, Taningco, Leddel, Lucero, Peña, Muens (C), Cariño, Banatao.
