The Philippine men’s national under-22 football team failed to accomplish its mission of reaching the finals of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games after being defeated by Vietnam in their semifinal match on the evening of December 15 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Goalless Battle and Goalkeeping Heroics
For much of the contest, the Filipinos matched Vietnam stride for stride, defending resolutely and limiting clear chances as the match appeared destined for extra time.
Goalkeeper Nicholas (Gab) Guimaraes anchored the Philippine defense, producing several crucial saves to keep the score level through the opening 80-plus minutes. Vietnam pressed late, but the Filipinos held firm as the clock wound down.
Photo Credits: Philippine Men’s National Football Team
Breakthrough Shatters Semifinal Stalemate
With just minutes remaining in regulation, Vietnam finally broke the deadlock. In the 88th minute, a cross from Nguyen Phi Hoang found substitute Le Van Thuan, who rose above the defense and headed the ball past Guimaraes to give Vietnam a 1-0 lead.
The late goal deflated the Filipinos, who had been seconds away from forcing extra time in one of their most disciplined performances of the tournament.
Free Kick Seals Vietnam’s Win
As the Philippines pushed forward in desperation, Vietnam struck again in stoppage time.
Photo Credits: Philippine Men’s National Football Team
Following a yellow card against Antoine Ortega, Nguyen Thanh Nhan stepped up and curled a free kick into the far side of the goal in the 92nd minute, effectively ending the contest and sending Vietnam to the final.
Heartbreak, But History Still Within Reach
The defeat denied the Philippines a chance to play for gold, but it did not end their SEA Games journey.
Photo Credits: Philippine Men’s National Football Team
Back in their opening match against Myanmar, they made a statement win going 2-0. While on their second game, they gave the defending champions Indonesia an upset win, all because of a kick of Otu Banatao giving the Philippines a spot at the semifinals.
Instead, the loss relegated the Filipinos to the bronze medal match on Thursday at the same venue, where they will face the loser of the Thailand-Malaysia semifinal.
A win would still mark a historic milestone, as Team Philippines has never reached the podium in men’s football.
The nation’s best finish came in the 1991 Manila edition, when a legendary squad led by Norman Fegidero placed fourth after losing the bronze match to Singapore.
Coach McPherson Reflects on Narrow Loss
Despite the disappointment, Coach Garrath McPherson praised his team’s character and competitiveness against one of Southeast Asia’s strongest sides.
“I think everyone that was here saw a highly competitive game between two teams who deserve to be playing in a gold medal match in three days time. Ultimately, Vietnam showed a little bit more quality towards the end of that game and were able to take a moment to score from a cross into the box.” said McPherson.
He later emphasized the emotional toll of the defeat and the resolve within the squad moving forward.
“This (semis loss) hurts because this means everything, to the players and to the country. You could see the emotion, they gave every last ounce of energy, mentally and physically,” McPherson said.
“This group has strong character. We’ll reflect on how close we came, but we don’t stop here. The day after, we march forward, one foot in front of the other, keep moving forward, keep growing, towards the bronze medal match,” he added.
Upcoming Bronze Medal Match and Broader Context
The Philippines will return to Rajamangala Stadium on Thursday, December 18 for a chance at its first-ever SEA Games men’s football medal, while Vietnam advances to the gold medal match as it eyes a fourth championship and its first final appearance since the 31st SEA Games.
The men’s team’s deep run marks only the second time in SEA Games history that the Philippines has reached the medal rounds, underscoring a significant step forward for the program.
Meanwhile, on the women’s side, the Philippines continued its own historic campaign, with the Filipinas set to face Vietnam in the gold medal match in Chonburi which highlighted a landmark SEA Games showing for Philippine football as a whole.
