Philippines U23 edge Brunei, stays in Mandiri Cup semis hunt

Ian Paolo Villacencio

With precision, patience, and a bit of late flair, the Philippines carved out a crucial 2-0 win over 10-man Brunei on July 21, thus keeping their dream of reaching the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025 semi-finals very much alive and kicking, at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Indonesia.

Forward Javier Mariona starred for the Filipinos, converting a 20th-minute penalty before setting up midfielder Harry ‘Noti’ Nuñez for a late insurance goal that sealed the result. 

Despite early missed chances and a saved second-half penalty, PH team head coach Garrath McPherson’s side showed composure and class throughout a match they dominated from start to finish.

It didn’t take long for the Philippines to show intent, with forward Andres Aldeguer and defender Jaime Rosquillo squandering clear opportunities within the first 10 minutes. 

Aldeguer blazed over from close range, and Rosquillo’s powerful header was denied by Brunei goalkeeper Hisyam Norihwan in dramatic fashion.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half when midfielder Jax Peña was brought down just inside the penalty area by Brunei’s Wafiq Danish Hasimulabdillah.

Mariona calmly sent Norihwan the wrong way, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to hand the Philippines a deserved lead.

Brunei’s uphill battle steepened after the break. Defender Azrin Danial Yusra was shown a red card in the 55th minute for a deliberate handball on the line, conceding a second penalty. However, forward Otu Banatao of the Philippines failed to capitalize, sending a tame shot that was easily gathered by Norihwan.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Brunei held firm for much of the second half, but that changed in the 85th minute, when Mariona sliced open the defense with a sharp delivery into the box, allowing Nuñez to tap in from close range and put the game beyond doubt.

The win places the Philippines second in Group A with six points, just behind Indonesia, who drew 0-0 with Malaysia later in the day. 

With the group stage nearing its conclusion, the Philippines semi-final hopes rest on Cambodia failing to defeat defending champions Vietnam and Myanmar not beating Thailand, which the games will be held on July 22.

Only the top teams in each group and the best second-placed squad will advance to the semi-finals on July 25 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, which will also host the third-place match and final on July 28 and 29, respectively.