'All paid off' as Philippines back in SEA Games semifinals, says Banatao

Otu Banatao and his teammates celebrated his goal that sent the Philippines to its first SEA Games semifinals in 34 years. (Photo: PFF)

Otu Banatao could not hide his pride after steering the Philippine men's national football team (PMNFT) to a historic 1-0 win over defending champion Indonesia for a long-awaited semifinals berth in the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Monday, December 8.

Banatao lauded his team’s strong performance despite the odds being stacked against them.

“We went through all these players in our team talk. We knew that yes, they [Indonesia] have a strong side, but we also have quality. We can hang on with this team,” said the Old Dominion University forward, who earned Man of the Match honors, as quoted by the Philippine Football Federation.

The 19-year-old Cagayanon delivered the game-winning header moments before halftime to help the Filipino booters top Group C with a perfect 2-0 record.

With their second straight win, the nationals returned to the knockout stages for the first time in 34 years. The last — and only — time the Philippines reached the semifinals was in 1991, when Bacolod legend Norman Fegidero scored the fabled goal that edged Malaysia, 1-0. At the time, senior men’s national teams were still competing before the tournament shifted to under-22 squads in 2017.

“To get a good result and put us through to Bangkok — it just feels like all the work, all the passion, it all paid off. I’m really happy that our team gets to go to Bangkok,” said Banatao.

The PMNFT will travel to the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand for the semifinals on Monday, December 15.

Head coach Garrath McPherson, meanwhile, praised his squad’s mentality and resilience in beating a “very good” Indonesian side.

“They’re a very good team. And they pushed us to our limits. I’m very happy with the character shown by our team. I feel that the attitude and mentality amongst the group is something that sets them apart. Without that attitude and without that mentality, the result today may have been different,” said McPherson.

Last July, the Australian mentor, who previously served as assistant coach of the Philippine women’s national football team, guided the Philippine under-23 squad to its first-ever semifinal appearance in the ASEAN Cup.

Now, McPherson and his wards aim to push even further with a potential finals breakthrough in the biennial meet.