Philippines U-23 falls to Thailand, finishes fourth in Mandiri Cup ‘25

Ian Paolo Villacencio

The Philippine men’s football under-23 national squad capped off a breakthrough campaign with a hard-fought fourth-place finish at the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025, falling 3–1 to Thailand in the playoff at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, July 28.

Though the Thais struck first through Phanthamit Prapanth in the 29th minute and doubled their lead via Siraphop Wandee in the 74th, the young Azkals showed their resilience.

Fil-Am striker Otu Bisong Banatao breathed life into the contest with a looping header off Gavin Muens’ lofted pass in the 79th minute—his effort marking one of the Philippines’ most crucial goals of the tournament.

Just minutes later, Banatao nearly delivered an equaliser, his second header rattling off the post in what could have been a dramatic turnaround. Instead, Thailand struck back quickly on the counter, with substitute Seksan Ratree firing home to seal the victory.

Despite the result, the Philippines’ campaign will be remembered as historic. The squad reached the semifinals for the first time, following a gritty 1–2 loss to defending champion Vietnam on July 25. 

Against Thailand, goalkeeper Nico Guimarães kept his side alive with key saves, while Jian Caraig and Muens threatened to break through a disciplined Thai defense.

For team’s coach Garrath McPherson and his squad, the fourth-place finish signals a new chapter for Philippine football at the youth level, while no longer content with being spectators in the regional scene.