VIETNAM will face the Philippines in the semifinals of the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025.
This was made possible after Nguyễn Đình Bắc’s 83rd minute header earned Vietnam a 2-1 win over Cambodia at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday.
Thailand, which won Group C, will meet tournament host Indonesia in the other half of the semis.
The Garrath McPherson-coached Filipino booters are set to clash with the Vietnamese on 4 p.m. on Thursday (5 p.m. in Manila).
Later, the Thais, who played Myanmar to a scoreless draw, meet the Indonesians at 8 p.m.
McPherson said the Philippine side’s confidence has grown, after the squad made history on Monday when it pulled off a 2-0 triumph over the Brunei U23 side in their final Group A match of the ASEAN U23 Championship Mandiri Cup.
“Momentum is crucial in tournament football, and we’ve successfully ridden the wave of emotions this past seven days. The team has grown in confidence with every game, winning tonight provides more confidence,” said McPherson.
The Philippine side went on to finish second in Group A, with its second triumph in three matches.
Vietnam’s winning shot came when Đình Bắc headed from the center of the box to the bottom left corner, off an assist by Nguyen Thành Dat.
The count was earlier tied at 1-all when Cambodian booter Mon Rado knocked in a header from the center of the box to the top left corner in the 62nd minute.
