For the first time in 34 years, the Philippines will play in the semifinals of the men’s football competition in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

The Philippine men’s national football team held on for a 1-0 win against Indonesia on Monday night, December 8, at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand to book their place in the next round.

The result completed their sweep of Group C, after a 2-0 triumph over Myanmar in their campaign opener on Friday, December 12.

Otu Banatao was the hero for the Philippines, converting a header moments before the halftime whistle to give his squad the lead.

Skipper Sandro Reyes had lofted in a long throw into the box, and the ball bounced once before Banatao rose above his marker to turn it past Indonesia’s Supriadi Cahya.

The Nationals ramped up their defensive intensity in the second half, with goal-keeper Nicholas Guimaraes coming up with several crucial saves — including back-to-back stops in extra time with Indonesia deep in the Philippines’ territory.

Indonesia, who were gold medalists in 2023, pushed forward in the closing minutes but stout defending from the Philippines preserved the clean sheet.

The Philippines will have time to rest before the semifinals on December 15 in Bangkok. (ABS-CBN News)