U23 Thailand won third place after a 3-1 victory over U23 Philippines

U23 Thailand won third place after a 3-1 victory over U23 Philippines - photo 1

Thailand U23 players celebrate after scoring against Philippines U23 in the third-place match of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Cup, taking place at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (Indonesia) on the afternoon of July 28.

After losing in the penalty shootout against host Indonesia in the semi-finals, U23 Thailand entered the third-place match determined to win and end the tournament with honor.

Facing a U23 Philippines team with a physical style of play and many unexpected situations, the blue team still demonstrated superiority in organization and playing experience.

In the 29th minute, interim captain Sittha Boonlha skillfully handled the ball on the right wing, when receiving the ball from Yotsakorn Burapha. Instead of finishing, he unexpectedly crossed into the 6m area for Phanthamit Prapanth to tap in and open the score for Thailand.

Before that, Thailand created a number of clear chances, including Siraphop Wandee's left-footed shot that missed the post in the 20th minute. In the 35th minute, Siraphop continued to have a one-on-one chance after a sharp through ball from Yotsakorn, but Philippine goalkeeper Nico Guimarães made an excellent save.

In the second half, coach Garrath McPherson's team pushed up their formation to find an equalizer. In the 50th minute, Jian Caraig sprinted down the right wing, entering the Thai penalty area, but his close-range shot was promptly blocked by defender Pichitchai Sienkrathok.

Unable to take advantage of the opportunity, U23 Philippines was gradually forced into a defensive position. In the 74th minute, from a chaotic ball in the penalty area, Yotsakorn stole the ball and passed it to Siraphop who finished with his left foot into the far corner, raising the score to 2-0.

Highlight U23 Thailand vs U23 Philippines

However, the match did not stop there. Just five minutes later, in the 79th minute, from a long pass over the line by Gavin Muens, striker Otu Bisong Banatao escaped his marker and made a technical header past goalkeeper Sorawat Phosaman, shortening the score to 1-2.

With high spirits, U23 Philippines continued to press and almost equalized in the 85th minute when Banatao jumped high to head the ball, this time it hit the crossbar and bounced out. The opportunity passed in regret, and the team in white immediately paid the price.

In the 86th minute, in a quick counter-attack, Chaiyaphon Otton passed the ball to Seksan Ratree - a player who had just entered the field less than a minute ago - who shot hard, hitting the post and flying into the net, sealing a 3-1 victory for U23 Thailand.

This victory helped Thailand close the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 tournament with third place, after a rather difficult journey in the tournament. Meanwhile, the Philippines U23 has the right to regret after showing a very hard-working and clearly progressive playing style.

According to the schedule, the final match will take place on the evening of July 29 between defending champion U23 Vietnam and host U23 Indonesia. This is expected to be the pinnacle of youth football in the region, as both teams have shown stable performance throughout the tournament and possess promising players.

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

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/u23-thai-lan-gianh-hang-ba-sau-chien-thang-31-truoc-u23-philippines-157163.html