Bangkok: As exhilarating as reaching the Southeast Asian Games semifinals for the first time in 34 years is, the Philippine U22 football team is determined to complete their journey with a medal.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Pinoy booters are set to continue their hard work as they prepare for the Final Four, scheduled for December 15 at the expansive Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. They are poised to face either the top team from Group A or the leader of Group B, with a historic ticket to the gold medal match at stake.

In Group A, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Singapore are competing for the semifinals spot, while Malaysia and Vietnam are vying for the top position in Group B. Alongside the group winners, the best second-placed team will also advance to the knockout rounds in the Thai capital.

"The players have set their own goals as a group. Before the tournament, they aimed for at least reaching the semifinals and securing a medal," said coach Garrath McPherson. His team successfully swept their two assignments in Group C, defeating Myanmar 2-0 and following up with a 1-0 victory over defending champion Indonesia at Chiang Mai's 700th Anniversary Stadium, leading the group standings.

This victory rekindled memories of the 1991 SEAG in Manila, the last time the Philippine men's football squad progressed beyond the eliminations, finishing fourth overall. "Our focus now is on enjoying some rest after playing two games in a span of four days, allowing us to recharge mentally and physically," McPherson added.