The Philippines suffered a 1-2 loss to two-time defending champion Vietnam, which advanced to the finals of the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025 on Friday.
With the defeat, the Filipino booters will face Thailand in the battle for third place at 8 p.m. on Monday (9 p.m. in Manila).
Indonesia earned a spot in the finals against Vietnam after edging Thailand, 7-6, in a sudden-death penalty shoot-out on Friday.
Nguyễn Xuân Bắc’s second-half header sealed the win for Vietnam as action concluded at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
Despite the loss, it was still a commendable finish for the Philippines, which reached the semifinals for the first time in tournament history.
“I’m proud. I’m proud. This is the team I love being a part of,” said Philippine coach Garrath McPherson in a post-match interview.
The Philippine side held firm against Vietnam’s strong pressing attack early on before drawing first blood.
Fil-Am booter Javier Mariona scored from close range in the 36th minute to give the Philippines a 1-0 lead.
Vietnam equalized in the 41st minute when Đình Bắc’s header, off a cross from Nguyễn Phi Hoàng, bounced off the inside of the right post. Đình pounced on the loose ball and slotted it into the net.
The Vietnamese squad then found the winner when Phi Hoàng’s cross from the left met Xuân Bắc, who sent a looping header past the outstretched hands of Filipino goalkeeper Nico Guimarães and into the top-right corner.
Meanwhile, in the other semifinal, Indonesian booter Alfharezzi Buffon converted the winning spot-kick in the eighth round of penalties after goalkeeper Muhammad Ardiansyah saved Yotsakon Burapha’s attempt.
