First shock at U.23 Southeast Asia: Lightning counterattack, Philippines defeats Malaysia

With sharp counter-attacking play, U.23 Philippines won 2-0 against U.23 Malaysia, creating a surprise in the opening match of the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament.

On the afternoon of July 15, the U.23 Malaysia team faced the U.23 Philippines in the opening match of the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament, which was also the first match of Group A. Before this match, U.23 Malaysia was rated higher. However, the reality went against the predictions. U.23 Philippines, with a reasonable and sharp defensive counter-attacking style, achieved a surprising result.

Philippines leads Malaysia by 2 goals after only the first half

U.23 Malaysia took the initiative right from the opening whistle. The opening goal came quite early... but for U.23 Philippines. After a quick counter-attack, Javier Mariona accelerated and dribbled down the sideline, then crossed for Banatao Bisong to tap the ball in close range, putting U.23 Philippines ahead 1-0.

Highlight U.23 Malaysia 0-2 U.23 Philippines: Shock on opening day

Banatao Bisong scored a double in the first half

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

In the 40th minute, from a similar transition, U.23 Philippines doubled the gap. This time, Uriel Dalapo accelerated on the left wing and then assisted Bisong to finish decisively, raising the score to 2-0 for the Philippines.

On the other side, U.23 Malaysia attacked a lot, creating about 10 shots but could not score. In the 29th minute, the ball was in the net of U.23 Philippines, but the main referee determined that Malaysian midfielder - Fergus Tierney had fouled the opponent's goalkeeper.

In the second half, U.23 Malaysia pushed up their formation to find an equalizer. Many good opportunities were created, but Malaysia's strikers were still too unlucky in finishing. Meanwhile, the Philippines continued to play an annoyingly lurking style and almost scored a goal to increase the score to 3-0. In the 56th minute, Alexander Pena suddenly fired a long shot from outside the penalty area, sending the ball with an extremely dangerous trajectory that shook the crossbar of the Malaysian team's goal.

In the end, U.23 Philippines won 2-0 against U.23 Malaysia.

In the second match of Group A taking place on July 18, U.23 Malaysia will meet U.23 Brunei, while U.23 Philippines will face U.23 Indonesia.

Watch the full 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Football Championship Mandiri Cup™ on FPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cu-soc-dau-tien-tai-u23-dong-nam-a-phan-cong-chop-nhoang-philippines-danh-bai-malaysia-185250715190329673.htm