Despite winning their last two matches in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, the Philippine Men’s U23 National Football Team missed qualifying for the tournament proper.
So close, yet just out of reach.
The Philippine Men’s U23 National Football Team closed its 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Nepal, but still fell short of advancing to the tournament proper.
Otu Banatao and Javier Mariona scored six minutes apart in the first half to give the Philippines a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Dov Cariño added a rebound goal in the 81st minute before captain Sandro Reyes capped the win with a perfectly-struck free kick in the 85th.
The emphatic victory brought the Philippines to a 2-0-1 finish in Group K, placing them second behind Syria, who swept all their matches to claim the group’s lone automatic berth.
Earlier, the young booters bounced back with a 1-0 win over Tajikistan after a narrow 2-1 loss to Syria in their tournament opener.
Unfortunately, the Filipinos were edged out of qualification, as only the four best second-placed teams advanced — a list that included China, Uzbekistan, Lebanon, and the UAE.
Alongside Syria, traditional heavyweights Jordan, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, South Korea, Iran, Qatar, Iraq, Thailand, and Kyrgyzstan booked their spots, with hosts Saudi Arabia completing the tournament cast.
The 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup is scheduled for January 7–25.
—
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.