Philippines stuns Indonesia, clinches first SEA Games men’s football semis berth in 34 years

The Philippines carved out one of its most significant victories in SEA Games football history on Monday night, outlasting defending champion Indonesia, 1–0, to sweep Group A and secure a long-awaited return to the semifinals. 

Under the lights of Chang Mai’s 700th Anniversary Stadium, the young Filipinos delivered a performance that blended grit, discipline, and a perfectly timed moment of brilliance.

That decisive moment came just before halftime. A long throw from Sandro Reyes dropped dangerously into the Indonesian box, took a single bounce, and found its way to Otu Banatao—who needed only one opportunity to change the game. 

Rising above the defense, Banatao directed a clinical header into the net, a strike that would stand as the match-winner and the symbol of a breakthrough long in the making.

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SEA GAMES 2025 | Men’s Football – Group C

FT : Indonesia – Philippines#SEAGames33 #SG2025 pic.twitter.com/e2PYpT9shl

— ASEAN FOOTBALL (@theaseanball) December 8, 2025

The goal not only secured the top seed in Group A, but also gave the Philippines an outright berth in the semifinals—marking the country’s first Final Four appearance since men’s football shifted to an Under-22 format in 2017. 

More impressively, it ended a 34-year drought dating back to Manila 1991, the last time the Philippines reached this stage with a senior squad.

Though the nation has never captured a SEA Games medal in men’s football, this year’s squad has positioned itself closer than ever. 

By beating the reigning champions and sweeping the group, the Philippines enters the knockout round not as an underdog clinging to hope, but as a contender with momentum and belief.

With history already within reach, the semifinal stage now becomes an opportunity—perhaps the best the Philippines has ever had—to finally break into the SEA Games podium and rewrite the narrative of Filipino men’s football.

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