MANILA – Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team has booked a historic berth in the semifinals of the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025 after a decisive 2-0 victory over Brunei at Patriot Stadium in Indonesia.
Filipino-American midfielder Javier Mariona set the tone by calmly converting a penalty in the 21st minute, before substitute striker Harry Nuñez sealed the win with a clinical strike in the 85th minute.
The young Philippine side had to overcome missed opportunities along the way. Otu Banatao.saw his penalty saved by Brunei goalkeeper Khairul Hisyam, while a potential second goal by defender Jaime Rosquillo was disallowed due to a foul.
Despite those setbacks, Mariona and Nuñez’s goals proved enough to secure the much needed three points for the national team and secure their historic semifinals slot in the U-23 tourney.
The win lifted the Philippines to second place in Group A with six points from two wins over Malaysia and Brunei. Host nation Indonesia topped the group with seven points after victories over Brunei and the Philippines and a draw against Malaysia.
Following Tuesday night’s results — where Vietnam blanked Cambodia, 3-0, and Thailand held Myanmar to scoreless draw — the Philippines officially clinched a semifinals slot as the best second-placed team.
Philippine U-23 coach Coach Garrath McPherson praised his team’s resilience and focus, noting that the squad has “proven its ability to compete at the highest level in Southeast Asia.”
The Philippines will now face Group B winner Vietnam in the semifinals on Friday night, aiming to continue their historic run./PN
