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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Young PH booters bag first-ever Lion City Cup title

Young PH booters bag first-ever Lion City Cup title

Published Jul 14, 2025 02:25 pm

At A Glance

  • Tagged as the underdogs, the Nationals defied odds by capping off their improbable campaign with a 3-1 win over Cambodia to reign supreme in the 29th edition of the youth football competition that was inaugurated in 1977.
(ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR)
(ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR)
The Philippine U16 boys national team made a historic stint overseas after capturing its first-ever title in the 2025 Lion City Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore Sunday, July 13.
Tagged as the underdogs, the Nationals defied odds by capping off their improbable campaign with a 3-1 win over Cambodia to reign supreme in the 29th edition of the youth football competition that was inaugurated in 1977.
Aaron Long stood out in that game with two goals that helped the Philippines recover from a shaky start, while Francis Benedict Poticano provided the offensive boost and delivered the dagger straight to the Cambodians’ chest.
It was a momentous moment for Philippine football as the triumph marked the country’s first championship in the said age group.
“We salute our U16 youth team for bringing this honor to our country! Your victory brings not only pride and joy, but great hope to the young aspiring Filipino footballers from across our nation,” said president John Gutierrez on PFF’s website.
“Truly you have shown what a team can achieve with unity and solidarity. Mabuhay kayo!”
Before hoisting the trophy, the Filipino booters stunned the Singaporeans (2-0) on the opening day then went for a 1-1 draw with Hong Kong in their following game.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong (1-1-1) finished as third, while Cambodia (0-0-4) went home winless at fourth place.
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