Rebuilding starts as PMNFT leaves World Cup Qualis winless

Photo credits: Philippine Men's National Football Team

The Philippines are out without a win in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after Indonesia flexed their muscles in front of a jam-packed Gelora Bung Karno Stadium which saw the hosts finish with a two-nil victory.

Goals from Thom Haye and Rizky Ramadhani allowed the Merah Putih to settle down and get their tactics right as they prevented any counterattacks from the Philippines who, just merely five days ago, gave Vietnam quite a scare until the last minute when they conceded a late goal which ended their hopes of making it to the next stages.

“I’m proud of my team,” said Head Coach Tom Sainfiet despite the defeat. “Indonesia was strong. Indonesia was clinical and Indonesia go to the next round. But we learned a lot. I’m satisfied with my team. We will be ready for the Mitsubishi Cup, and later on, the Asian Cup qualification next year.”

The Indonesians were held scoreless until the 32nd minute when Haye fired from distance to blast it past Kevin Ray Mendoza. About 11 minutes into the second half, Ramadhani met a curling ball from Nathan Tjoe-A-On's free-kick to head in the hosts' second of the evening, giving them quite a distance from the Philippines.

Plenty of chances went the way of the PMNFT with pace merchant Pocholo Bugas treading down the wings but unable to find an open man inside the box for the header.

The entire stadium was brought to a halt with merely five minutes remaining on the clock when Adrian Ugelvik collided with Ernando Ari as they went for the ball with the keeper being able to punch it out.

Ugelvik needed to be taken off the pitch by an ambulance after the entire Philippines and Indonesian squads formed a human wall around him to allow the medics to attend to the injured player.

He underwent a scan in the hospital, which found no lasting damage from the incident, aside from a bump from the impact with the goalkeeper. As a precaution, he remained in the hospital overnight for observation.

The Philippines, after being able to assess their current situation, would have to start rebuilding under the tutelage of coach Tom Saintfiet to prepare themselves for the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification which will happen around March 2025 and the 2024 AFF ASEAN Championship which will begin on the 23rd of November 2024.