PH U-22 football team reaches SEA Games semis after 34-year drought

The Philippine men's U-22 football team has reached the Southeast Asian Games semifinals for the first time since 1991, ending a 34-year drought.

They secured their spot with a 1-0 victory over defending champion Indonesia in Chiang Mai, completing a sweep of Group C.

Otu Banatao scored the lone goal just before halftime, a win sealed by his strike that confirmed their place in the last four.

Goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes made critical saves throughout the match, including in the final moments.

This marks a significant turnaround for the team after a winless campaign in the 2023 SEA Games.

The U22 team will head to Bangkok for the semifinals on December 15, aiming for a breakthrough medal after finishing fourth in 1991.

Meanwhile, the Filipinas also secured a victory at the death against defending champion Vietnam, keeping their own campaign alive.