Sibol MLBB Men buck early hiccup vs Indonesia to clinch SEA Games finals berth

A Game 1 setback didn’t faze the Philippines as Sibol Men stormed back to take the next three matches and a 3-1 victory over Indonesia in the 2025 SEA Games Mobile Legends: Bang Bang semifinals on Monday.

Multi-titled gold laner Kiel "Oheb" Soriano shone throughout the best-of-five series to help the Philippine bets seal its spot in the gold medal round set on Wednesday as the country looks to bag its fourth straight MLBB title.

The Indonesians caught the Filipinos off guard in Game 1 when exp laner Aldhia “Aran” Aranda picked Phoveus, wreaking havoc with one kill and 11 assists that doomed the Philippines in the series opener.

But Sibol, bannered by the core of reigning MSC and two-time defending MPL champions Team Liquid, went back into its winning ways with authority in the next three matches to turn back Indonesia and reach the finals. 

Oheb unleashed a triple kill on his Granger during a late-base clash in Game 2, taking down Aran’s Lapu-Lapu, Leonardo’s Claude, and Widy’s Khaleed, setting the stage for a tower lock as the Filipinos evened the series at 1-1.

Sibol then needed just less than 15 minutes to finish off Indonesia in Game 3 with veteran roamer Jaypee "Jaypee" Dela Cruz leading the way with his Gatotkaca pick, unloading 10 assists against just one death. 

There was nothing the Indonesians could do since then with mid laner Alston "Pabico (Lunox) securing the Lord at the 16th minute, which the rest of  Sibol took advantage of to complete the reversal. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News