The ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup™ 2025 burst into life at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday, with hosts Indonesia and a spirited Philippines side stealing the spotlight on an electrifying opening day.
In the day’s later kickoff, Indonesia delivered a statement of intent with an emphatic 8-0 rout of Brunei, headlined by an extraordinary six-goal performance from teenage sensation Jens Raven. Earlier, the Philippines stunned Malaysia 2-0, with Otu Bisong Banatao scoring both goals to hand his side a memorable start.
The 19-year-old Raven needed less than two minutes to announce himself on the U-23 international stage, converting a cross from Muhammad Rayhan Hannan to open the scoring. He added four more in a devastating first-half display, including a well-taken penalty, while Arkhan Fikri and Hannan added their names to the scoresheet as Indonesia went into the break leading 7-0.
Raven capped off his record-breaking outing with a sixth goal in the 62nd minute, chipping the ball delicately over the line despite the Brunei defence’s desperate attempt to clear. Despite several more chances, Indonesia couldn’t add a ninth, but the dominant performance firmly established them as tournament favourites and placed them top of Group A on goal difference.
Just hours earlier, the Philippines had shocked Malaysia with a clinical display built around rapid counter-attacks and defensive resilience. Despite enjoying the bulk of possession, Malaysia were undone twice in the first half by quick transitions, with Bisong capitalizing on precision crosses from Javier Mariona and substitute Uriel Dalapo to score both goals.
Malaysia pushed forward in search of a response, with Fergus Tierney and Aliff Izwan Yuslan both coming close. But goalkeeper Nico Guimaraes and defender Jax Peña held firm, with Guimaraes making a series of crucial saves and Peña executing a heroic block to preserve the clean sheet.
The day’s results leave Indonesia and the Philippines level on three points, with the hosts narrowly ahead on goal difference. The two sides are now set for a highly anticipated showdown on Friday that could determine the Group A frontrunners.
As ASEAN’s brightest young talents take center stage, the tournament has already delivered drama, goals, and breakout performances—none more eye-catching than Raven’s stunning debut and Bisong’s clinical double.