* Goal: Rosquillo 23’ (own goal)

Three days prior, hosts Indonesia defeated Brunei 8-0 in their opening match, achieving the largest victory in the tournament's history. They maintained this momentum to keep their advancement hopes alive in Group A. Around 15,000 spectators filled the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium to support coach Gerald Vanenburg's team, a stark contrast to the sparse crowd at their opening game.

However, the Philippines proved a tougher challenge than Brunei, especially after their surprising 2-0 win over Malaysia. Coach Garrath McPherson's squad boasts 14 U20 players. Another statistic revealed that all 14 Philippine players belong to university teams in their home country, the US, and Japan.

Robi Darwis's (white) throw-in led to an own goal by Jaime Rosquillo, giving Indonesia a 1-0 victory over the Philippines in the second match of Group A of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia on 18/7/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

The hosts dominated possession with 66% and launched 14 shots, 7 of which were on target. However, they struggled to break down a disciplined and physically strong Philippine side.

Indonesia's first attempt came 9 minutes into the match. Arkhan Fikri dribbled past two Philippine defenders on the right flank before cutting inside, but his left-footed shot from near the edge of the box towards the near post was saved by goalkeeper Gumaraes. Three minutes later, Fikri received the ball on the left, took aim, and curled a right-footed shot from about 26 meters, missing the right post.

Indonesia finally found the breakthrough with their signature long throw-in tactic. With Pratama Arhan absent, Robi Darwis stepped up. From the left touchline, he launched a powerful throw-in towards the 6-yard box. Jaime Rosquillo inadvertently headed the ball into his own net, the ball hitting the underside of the crossbar and crossing the line. Although Gumaraes quickly cleared the ball, the referee awarded the goal.

Jaime Rosquillo (middle blue) scored an own goal, giving Indonesia a 1-0 victory over the Philippines in the second match of Group A of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia on 18/7/2025. Photo: Bola

Darwis's throw-ins continued to threaten the Philippine goal, but they held firm until halftime.

The second half saw a similar scenario for the visitors, who focused on defending and struggled to create any counter-attacks.

In the 47th minute, Jens Raven, who scored 6 goals against Brunei, was substituted in. Two minutes later, he put the ball in the Philippine net, but the flag went up for offside. Gumaraes then made several crucial saves, denying Hannan's long-range effort in the 54th minute and Rahmat Reski's shot in the 55th. In the 74th minute, Arkhan Fikri's low left-footed shot from inside the box towards the bottom right corner was saved by the 18-year-old goalkeeper.

With this narrow win, Indonesia consolidated their lead in Group A with 6 points and a goal difference of +9. The Philippines and Malaysia both have 3 points, but the Philippines are second due to their head-to-head victory.

In the final matchday on 21/7, Indonesia only needs a draw against Malaysia to secure the top spot. If they lose to Malaysia by a one-goal margin and the Philippines beat Brunei, they will lose the top spot.

In that scenario, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia would all have 6 points, leading to a three-way tiebreaker based on head-to-head results. The Philippines would lead with a goal difference of +1, Indonesia would have 0, and Malaysia -1.

Indonesia will be eliminated if they lose to Malaysia by two or more goals. In that case, the head-to-head goal differences would be: Philippines +1, Malaysia 0, and Indonesia -1.

Starting Lineups:

Indonesia: Muhammad Ardiansyah, Kadek Priyatna, Kakang Rudianto, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Robi Darwis, Toni Firmansyah, Rayhan Hannan, Arkhan Fikri, Rahmat Reski, Hokky Caraka, Alfharezzi Buffon

Philippines: Nicholas Gumaraes, Gavin Muens, Bryan Villanueva, Out Banatao, Dov Carino, John Lucero, Zachary Taningco, Jaime Rosquillo, Jian Caraig, Uriel Dalapo, Javier Mariona.

Hieu Luong