Malaysia suffer shocking defeat against Philippines at ASEAN U23 Championship

Striker Otu Banatao (number 7) scored two goals to help the Philippines beat Malaysia 2-0 in the group stage of the ASEAN U23 Championship at Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia, on July 15, 2025. Photo by PFF

Both goals in the match were scored by striker Otu Banatao, an 18-year-old talent with American and Filipino heritage, currently studying at Old Dominion University in Virginia, U.S.

Malaysia, ranked 125th by FIFA and 20 places above the Philippines, dominated possession with 70% and registered 21 shots, with 7 on target. However, they could not find the back of the net. Their strikers were either unlucky or lacked precision, with several missed opportunities. Additionally, the crossbar and goalpost denied Malaysia's attempts on two occasions.

In contrast, the Philippines adopted a counter-attacking approach and executed it effectively. With only 30% possession, they managed 5 shots, 3 of which were on target, scoring 2 goals. Had the crossbar not denied them, they could have even netted a third.

Both of the Philippines' goals came from similar counter-attacking plays. In the 9th minute, after escaping pressure, midfielder Javier Mariona made a run down the left flank, dribbled past a Malaysian defender and crossed for Banatao, who tapped in to open the scoring.

In the 40th minute, another counter-attack from the left flank saw midfielder Uriel Dalapo pass into the penalty area. Banatao controlled calmly before placing the ball into the far corner to make it 2-0.

The Philippines' victory was a testament to their well-executed strategy with sharp counter-attacks, tactics carefully crafted by coach Garrath McPherson. The team's strong performance was also boosted by the inclusion of several players of Filipino origin, including goalkeeper Guimaraes (Japan), center-back Noah Leddel (China), midfielders Jax Pena (U.S.), Gavin Muens (U.S.), John Lucero (Thailand) and Banatao (U.S.).

This group of players, alongside domestic talent, made the Philippines a tough opponent for Malaysia, who only had two naturalized players: defender Gabriel Palmero (Spanish origin) and striker Fergus Tierney (Scottish).

The 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship, taking place from July 15 to 29 in Indonesia, features 10 teams divided into three groups. The teams will compete in a round-robin format, with the three group winners and the best second-placed team to advance to the semifinals.

Group A include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei. This surprising result has intensified the competition for progression, with hosts Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia all aiming for a spot in the next stage.

 

 

Malaysia suffer shocking defeat against Philippines at ASEAN U23 Championship

U23 Malaysia nhận chỉ trích trước nguy cơ bị loại sớm ở giải Đông Nam Á