Philippines stuns Indonesia, reaches SEA Games men's football semis for first time in 34 years

The Philippines defeated Indonesia, 1-0, on Monday in the preliminary round of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games men’s football tournament in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The lone goal was scored by Otu Banatao at the 45+1’ mark, just before halftime.

From there, the men’s squad held off the defending champions to improve to 2–0 in the group stage and clinch a spot in the final four for the first time in 34 years.

In the 1991 edition held in Manila, the Philippines fell to Singapore, 2–0, in the bronze-medal match.

Last Friday, the Philippines also defeated Myanmar, 2–0.

With the group sweep, the Philippines will now wait for the top team from either Group A or Group B for their semifinals matchup on December 15.

In the women's tournament, Mallie Ramirez scored a late goal at the 90+4' mark to hand the Philippines a 1-0 win against Vietnam and remain in contention for a spot in the knockout stage.

Last Friday, the women's team fell to Myanmar, 2-1.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News