Philippine U-23 national team player Otu Abang Banatao admitted that he was increasingly motivated ahead of the second match of Group A of the ASEAN U-23 Championship against host Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.
This was said by Banatao after he became the best player in the first match against Malaysia at SUGBK, Tuesday, with a score of 2-0 thanks to his two goals in the 10th and 41st minutes.
"We got the result we wanted, so we're just looking forward to Indonesia," the 18-year-old DC United player said at a post-match press conference.
Since the tournament, formerly known as the AFF U-23 Cup, was launched in 2005, the Philippines has never won a single title. Not only have they won, but they have also failed to advance beyond the semifinals in each of the four previous editions.
The victory over Malaysia brought the Philippines three points and temporarily occupies the top two positions in the Group A standings.
Banatao, who previously represented the Philippines U-19 and U-20 national teams, then expressed his hope that he would lead his country to win the ASEAN U-23 trophy.
“Hoping to bring this trophy home to the Philippines,” Batanao said.
