Coaches’ Reactions Ahead of Indonesia U23 vs Philippines U23 in AFF 2025

As the AFF U-23 clash between Indonesia and the Philippines draws near, both head coaches have shared their thoughts ahead of the high-stakes match.

Philippines U-23 coach Garreth McPherson expressed growing confidence after their victory over Malaysia. He acknowledged the strength of the Indonesian team, particularly with their experienced players and home advantage. “Indonesia has several players who previously played for the senior national team. They are also playing at home and look very well-trained. So this is a challenge for us,” said McPherson.

On the other hand, Indonesia U-23 coach Gerald Vanenburg emphasized tactical focus. “We know how the Philippines play, and we know how we should play. Our focus now is to maximize our performance on the field,” Vanenburg stated.

Indonesia is currently at the top of Group A following a dominant win against Brunei. The upcoming match against the Philippines will be critical in maintaining momentum and securing a spot in the semifinals. Historical stats favor Indonesia, as the Philippines have never beaten them at the U-23 level.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM WIB at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and will be broadcast live on SCTV, Indosiar, and Moji.