PMNFT Under-23 qualifies to Mandiri Cup Semifinals for the first time since 2005. PFFBy: GIL MORIONES
MANILA -- After 20 years of competing in the ASEAN Under-23 Championship, the U23 Philippine Men's National Football Team finally secured spot to the Semifinals of the biennial tournament for the very first time after qualified as the Best Second-Placer team, Tuesday night, in the concluding day of the 2025 ASEAN U23 Mandiri Cup.
Their qualification in the Final 4 confirmed after the goalless draw between Thailand and Myanmar and Vietnam's 2-1 win over Cambodia, later that night.
Not including their 2-0 win vs. Brunei last night, the young PMNFT proceeded to the Semifinals bringing one win vs. Malaysia and only lost against tournament host, Indonesia.
The Philippines started its participation to the U23 tournament since its inaugural edition in 2005 where they managed only a win against Timor Leste, 4-1.
After 2005, the tiff proceed to its hiatus citing some reasons until its comeback in 2019, where the Nationals ended winless in the Group Stages.
The youngster tried its luck in 2022 but their identical win-draw-lose standings not enough to land in the knockout stages. In 2023, they failed to produce a win only settled to a draw-lose record.
The Philippines will face the two-time defending champions, Vietnam, on Friday afternoon at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
