Indonesia's U22 men's football team suffered a shocking 0-1 defeat to the Philippines in their second group C match at the 700th Annivesary stadium on 8/12. The lone goal by Otu Banatao marked Indonesia's first-ever loss to the Philippines in SEA Games history. "This is a particularly bitter defeat in Indonesian football history at the SEA Games," commented CNN Indonesia, contrasting it with "a sweet victory for the Philippines."

Striker Mauro Zijlstra and defender Dion Markx in despair after Indonesia's 0-1 loss to the Philippines in their second group C match of men's football at SEA Games 33, held at the 700th Annivesary stadium in Chiangmai, Thailand, on 8/12. Photo: CNN Indonesia

Indonesia entered SEA Games 33 confidently, having prepared thoroughly with a strong squad including five Dutch-heritage players and experience from previous tournaments. Coach Indra Sjafri urged his team to attack from the start. The defending champions dominated possession and created numerous chances but lacked a clinical finish. "Coach Sjafri's playing style was anticipated by the opponent," an article from Bola stated. Following the match, several players collapsed in despair, while captain Ivar Jenner kicked a water bottle and Dion Markx sat dejected in the tunnel. In the post-match press conference, Coach Sjafri expressed regret over his players conceding from a throw-in, highlighting their failure to follow marking instructions from training.

Indonesia's current U22 squad, following Pratama Arhan, also boasts a quality throw-in specialist in Robi Darwis. However, this offensive tactic has not been as effective. CNN Indonesia suggested that the throw-in has become a "double-edged sword" for Indonesian football. The newspaper noted, "Throw-ins were once a strategy for Indonesia to defeat opponents, but now they have backfired."

Main developments of Indonesia's 0-1 loss to the Philippines in group C of SEA Games 2025 men's football.

Indonesia can only secure a maximum of three points if they defeat Myanmar on 12/12, to contend for the best second-place spot in the group. However, their qualification is not in their own hands. "Indonesia's fate depends on the outcome of the group B match between Vietnam and Malaysia," an article in Indonesian newspaper Bola stated. If the two teams draw in their match on 11/12, they will both have 4 points, and Indonesia will certainly be eliminated. Should this scenario unfold, Indonesia would become the second defending champion to be knocked out in the group stage of the subsequent tournament since the SEA Games men's football event began using U23 teams. Previously, Thailand, after winning gold medals in SEA Games 2007 and 2017, exited in the group stages of the 2009 and 2019 editions, respectively.

Conversely, with 6 points from two matches, the Philippines have secured first place in group C. Coach Garrath McPherson and his team are being lauded by their domestic media. This marks the first time the Philippines have reached the SEA Games semifinals since 1991. After failing to win a match at the 32nd edition in Cambodia, the Philippines now have their first opportunity to win a medal at SEA Games 33. This is also the second time Coach McPherson has led the national team to the semifinals, following the U23 Southeast Asian Championship 2025 in Indonesia, where they lost 1-2 to Vietnam.

Trung Thu