By: GIL MORIONES
MANILA -- The Under-23 Philippine Men's Football Team failed to snatch points against the 2025 ASEAN U23 Mandiri Cup host, Indonesia, losing 1-0 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Friday night.
PMNFT's custodian Nicholas Guimaraes led the disciplined Philippine defense after saving seven solid attacks from Indonesia, including his double stops during the 53rd and 54th minutes.
Except in the 23rd minute, when Guimaraes failed to clean up the mess of his defender, Jaime Rosquillo.
This was after Robi Darwis’ long throw was touched by Rosquillo, who attempted to head the ball away, but it ricocheted off the crossbar and bounced over the goal line to score the goal in favor of the young Garudas.
Gavin Muens tried his luck from distance in the 35th minute, but it was blocked by Indonesia after a slight tussle from the long throw initiated by the Nationals.
The Philippines stumbled in their attempt to force an equalizer after Otu Banatao's header was easily caught by the Indonesian keeper in the 43rd minute.
The 2019 champions dominated the stat sheet with 66 percent ball possession, seven shots on target (all saved by Guimaraes), and 512 accurate passes.
The Philippines still holds to 2nd place in Group A, although statistically tied with Malaysia, both with three points.
This is due head-to-head basis of tiebreaker despite of distinction in goal differential as Malaysia has a four-goal difference (earned after their 7-1 win vs. Brunei), while the Philippines have a one-goal difference.
The Philippines will face Brunei on Monday.
The Nationals still see a glimmer of hope for their maiden semifinals appearance as the Best Second-Placer team.
The result vs. Brunei will not be included in the calculation, but with the help of Indonesia either winning or drawing against Malaysia on Monday, and Vietnam and Thailand grabbing a perfect six points in their remaining matches, the Nationals could qualify for the semifinals of the 2025 Mandiri Cup.
