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Young Azkals Stun Indonesia: Enter SEA Games Semis After 34 Years
Photo credit: PFF
The Philippine men’s under-22 football team delivered a historic upset on Monday in Chiang Mai, defeating defending SEA Games champion Indonesia, 1-0, and securing their first semifinal appearance since 1991.
The Young Azkals swept Group C with six points following their earlier 2-0 win over Myanmar.
Nineteen-year-old striker Otu Banatao scored the lone goal just before halftime, heading in a long throw from Gabriel Guimaraes—a moment that sent Filipino fans roaring and revived memories of the country’s last semis run more than three decades ago.
“Tonight, we celebrate victory and we affirm our history… but the journey is far from over. We have to aim for a medal,” said PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez.
Indonesia threatened early, but goalkeeper Nic Guimaraes put on a remarkable performance, stopping multiple close-range attempts—including shots from Dony Pamungkas, Muhammad Ferrari, and Muhammad Rayhan Hannan.
Head coach Garrath McPherson praised the team’s grit, saying: “I’m very happy for the character shown by our team… without that attitude and mentality, the result today may have been different.”
Banatao also credited Indonesia for pushing them: “We knew they have a strong side, but we also have quality… it feels like all the work paid off.”
With the win, the Philippines heads to Bangkok for the semifinals on December 15 at Rajamangala Stadium, hoping to finish on the podium for the first time in SEA Games history.
The Young Azkals swept Group C with six points following their earlier 2-0 win over Myanmar.
Nineteen-year-old striker Otu Banatao scored the lone goal just before halftime, heading in a long throw from Gabriel Guimaraes—a moment that sent Filipino fans roaring and revived memories of the country’s last semis run more than three decades ago.
“Tonight, we celebrate victory and we affirm our history… but the journey is far from over. We have to aim for a medal,” said PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez.
Indonesia threatened early, but goalkeeper Nic Guimaraes put on a remarkable performance, stopping multiple close-range attempts—including shots from Dony Pamungkas, Muhammad Ferrari, and Muhammad Rayhan Hannan.
Head coach Garrath McPherson praised the team’s grit, saying: “I’m very happy for the character shown by our team… without that attitude and mentality, the result today may have been different.”
Banatao also credited Indonesia for pushing them: “We knew they have a strong side, but we also have quality… it feels like all the work paid off.”
With the win, the Philippines heads to Bangkok for the semifinals on December 15 at Rajamangala Stadium, hoping to finish on the podium for the first time in SEA Games history.
Dec 9, 2025
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