Vietnam come from behind to deny Philippines U23 historic final berth

At a sparsely filled Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, in Jakarta, Vietnam clawed back from a goal down to clinch a 2–1 win over the Philippines, denying the young Azkals what could’ve been a historic finals debut in the 2025 ASEAN U23 Mandiri Cup semifinal, July 25.

The early minutes saw Vietnam dictate the tempo, pinning the Philippines back with high pressing and crisp ball rotation. 

Nguyen Dinh Bac nearly opened the scoring twice inside the opening ten — one effort ricocheting off the post, another smothered by the keeper.

Khuat Van Khang and Vo Anh Quan operated as dual engines down the wings, stretching the Philippine shape and forcing keeper Pinthus into action.

Yet against the run of play, it was the Philippines who struck first. 

In the 36th minute, Javier Mariona ghosted into space amid defensive confusion and lashed home a volley, catching Vietnam off guard and momentarily flipping the script.

Vietnam answered before the break; Dinh Bac, alert to a loose rebound inside the six-yard box, leveled the tie in first-half stoppage, punishing the Azkals for a momentary lapse in marking.

The second half saw Vietnam regain their foothold. 

Nine minutes after the restart, Nguyen Xuan Bac rose unchallenged to nod in Phi Hoang’s curling delivery, turning the tide and putting Vietnam in the driver’s seat.

The Philippines pushed numbers forward in the final third, but fatigue began to show. 

Their uphill climb turned steeper when Jaime Rosquillo was sent off in added time, reducing the side to ten men just as they searched for late drama.

Vietnam saw out the result with game management and midfield control, punching their ticket to the final. 

The Philippines, meanwhile, will contest the third‑place playoff on Monday, July 28 (Philippine time) at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.