Vietnam secured their spot in the AFF U23 Championship 2025 semi-final after topping Group B with victories over Laos (3-0) and Cambodia (2-1). This marks Vietnam's 4th consecutive appearance in the semi-finals of the tournament. They finished third in 2019, and won the championship in 2022 and 2023.
Meanwhile, the Philippines reached the AFF U23 Championship semi-final for the first time, qualifying as the best second-placed team in the group stage. Coach Garrath McPherson's team finished second in Group A, defeating Malaysia 2-0, losing to Indonesia 0-1, and then beating Brunei 2-0.
Vietnam has remained undefeated against the Philippines at the U23 level for the past 11 years. In this tournament, Vietnam has previously beaten the Philippines 2-1 in 2019 and 1-0 in 2023, both in the group stage.
In Group B, Vietnam recorded victories against Laos (3-0) and Cambodia (2-1). With 43 shots, the team boasts the highest average shots per game in the tournament (21.5). However, against two supposedly weaker opponents, Kim Sang-sik's team's performance hasn't met expectations.
Vietnam's shot accuracy stands at 32.5%, but their goal conversion rate is only 11.6%—only slightly better than Thailand's 11.1%. Three out of their five goals came from set pieces. The fact that the central defenders have scored three goals, while the midfielders and forwards have only scored one each, indicates potential issues in the attack.
Today, Vietnam faces a well-organized Philippines side playing a 5-4-1 formation under coach Garrath McPherson. In the group stage, they surprised by defeating Malaysia 2-0 and only narrowly losing 0-1 to the host nation, Indonesia. The Philippines' defense has been disciplined and resilient, demonstrating a strong team spirit.
The Philippines also possesses two dangerous attackers: Otu Bisong Banatao and Javier Alessandro Mariona. They are among seven Philippine players currently playing abroad. Banatao, playing for Old Dominion University in the USA, impressed with a brace against Malaysia in their opening match. Mariona plays for AV Alta, also in the USA.
Other players with international experience in the Philippines squad include Inigo Castro (Spain), Noah Leddel (USA), Jax Pena (USA), and John Lecero (Thailand). While they might not possess exceptional individual skills, they play a structured and composed game. Combined with local players, they could pose a threat to Vietnam's defense.
Hieu Luong
