The national U23 men’s football team is liking its chances after making it to the semifinals of the ASEAN Championship in Indonesia for the first time.

National coach Garrath McPherson credited his team’s composure and momentum after posting a 2-0-1 win-draw-loss record to emerge as the best second-placed team in the prestigious regional tournament.

Led by Otu Banatao, the Philippines stunned Malaysia, 2-0, on 15 July in Jakarta before suffering a 0-1 decision to Indonesia off an own goal by Jaime Rosquillo last Thursday. A 2-0 win over Brunei last Monday in Bekasi might not have been counted, but it was enough for the Filipinos to gain some momentum heading into the semifinals.

The Philippines will face reigning champion Vietnam on Friday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta and McPherson believes that the experience they gained against the Malaysians and Indonesians was enough to boost their confidence.

“Momentum is crucial in tournament football, and we’ve successfully ridden the wave of emotions these past seven days. The team has grown in confidence with every game,” said McPherson, a former head coach of the Brisbane Roar in the A-League Women in Australia.

“We have achieved all of this with only a one-week training camp leading in, I am proud and happy for the players and staff. I trust the supporters back home are proud of the character and spirit of this group.”

McPherson said he likes the outcome of their campaign so far.

“We have been able to provide more young men with exposure on the international stage while securing our highest ever points finish in the history of this tournament,” McPherson said.

“I said coming into this tournament that we are here to provide an opportunity for our players to showcase their quality. We have consistently rotated our roster to maximize opportunities for players to be seen.”