Despite missing out on the men's football quarterfinals of the 20th Asian Games, Philippines U23s leave Aichi-Nagoya on a high after picking up their first win of tournament with a 2-1 victory over Kuwait at Nagoya City Minato Soccer Field.
It was the country's first victory in Asian Games football in 68 years, dating back to 1958 when Philippines defeated Japan 1-0 in what was still a senior team competition.
Santi Rublico gave the Filipinos the lead in the 19th minute when he slotted home the opener. However, an inadvertent own goal by Scott Woods in the 66th minute set up a thrilling finish.
Undaunted, Andres Aldeguer secured the country's first three points from the penalty spot after Jared Peña was fouled.
Ultimately, Philippines will head back to Manila knowing that their maiden campaign was not in vain.
When all hope was lost, Philippines come firing
Already out of contention for a place in the quarters, it was expected that the Philippine camp would simply enjoy their remaining time in Japan -- especially with captain Sandro Reyes having left the squad to join the senior team in Bandung, Indonesia, for the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
However, instead of treating the game against Kuwait as just their final match, Garrath McPherson's side used it to show grit and composure throughout.
Ethan Smith was once again outstanding on the right flank, making runs past defenders and providing the assist for Rublico's opener.
Gavin Muens was also one of the positives for the squad. Wearing the captain's armband this time around, the midfielder showed his leadership on the pitch as he served as the team's focal point.
Rublico was also impressive. Having missed his chance against Vietnam last Friday, he did not waste the opportunity this time around -- slotting home past the back of the net after Aldeguer turned Smith's cross into the winger's path.
Despite conceding in the second half, Philippines continued their assault, before Aldeguer finally converted the winning penalty.
Philippines remain solid at the back
For the first time at the Games, Jaime Rosquillo played the full 90 minutes -- and it proved rewarding for the Philippines as they held on for the win despite Kuwait enjoying most of the possession, 55% to 45%.
Philippines also ensured Kuwait were left ruing their chances, with the defence making eight blocks.
Nicholas Guimarães would have been glad to see his side hold on for the victory and was visibly emotional at the final whistle after making a couple of saves to keep Kuwait at bay.
Aldeguer, Peña finally get their moment
As Philippines searched for a winner, they found it through none other than their man up front.
With everything on the line in the 90th minute, Aldeguer calmly sent the ball into the bottom corner to bring joy to Philippines after two heartbreaking losses in their campaign.
But Aldeguer would not have had that moment without Jared Peña's introduction late in the match. The substitute made an immediate impact after coming on, forcing a save with a chance in the 83rd minute before winning the penalty in the 90th minute to set up Aldeguer's winner.
A fitting end to their U23 journey
For this group, the win over Kuwait marks more than just Philippines' first Asian Games victory in 68 years. It also brings the curtain down on the U23 journey of several players who have grown together through the age-group ranks.
At 23, Reyes and Antoine Ortega have reached the end of their age-group eligibility, while the likes of Aldeguer, John Lucero, Patrick Dye, Kamil Amirul and Dov Cariño will also soon be closing this chapter.
For the younger members of the squad, including Muens, Rublico, Alfonso Gonzalez, Bryan Villanueva, Martin Meriño, Ryen Lim and Brian McManus, the experience provides a foundation they can carry into the next stage of their international careers.
The losses to Uzbekistan and Vietnam showed just how much ground Philippines still have to cover against the continent's established sides. But the victory over Kuwait provided something equally important: a reminder that this group can compete, respond to setbacks and finish a historic campaign on its own terms.
Philippines arrived in Aichi-Nagoya as Asian Games newcomers and they will leave with a clearer picture of what it takes to compete at this level.
And perhaps that is the biggest takeaway from this maiden campaign: the Philippines have now experienced the Asian Games stage, and the challenge is to make sure the next generation arrives better prepared, with this group's experience serving as the foundation rather than the finish line.
