3rd Sep. AFC U23 Asian Cup---Syria U23 VS Philippines U23 Prediction
AFC U23 Asian Cup - Syria U23 VS Philippines U23
Match Time:03-09-2025 21:00 Wednesday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Team Reviews
Syria U23 are entering this AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifier Group C match with momentum, sitting atop their group after a strong start in the 2025/26 campaign. Their recent form is impressive, with four wins and one loss in their last five matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding just two, averaging 2.2 goals scored and 0.4 conceded per game. At home, Syria are formidable, unbeaten in their last three competitive matches, with a defense led by Ammar Ramadan and goalkeeper Maksim Sarraf keeping clean sheets in 60% of those games. Coach Mark Wotte’s 4-2-3-1 relies on Mohammad Rihanie’s midfield creativity and Mohammad Al Marmour’s finishing (two goals in qualifiers). No major injuries are reported, so Syria will look to dominate possession and exploit their home advantage at a neutral venue, likely in Saudi Arabia, to overpower the Philippines.
Philippines U23 are struggling, ranked last in Group C with a poor run of form. They’ve won two and lost three of their last five matches, scoring six goals and conceding 10, averaging 1.2 goals scored and two conceded per game. Their away form is particularly weak, with no wins in their last three road games, including a 4-0 loss to Thailand U23 in 2023. Coach Norman Fegidero’s 4-4-2 depends on Jarvey Gayoso and Adrian Ugelvik for goals, but defensive lapses, especially against stronger sides, have been costly. No major injuries are noted, but the Philippines will need to stay compact and rely on counter-attacks to have any chance against Syria’s organized setup. Their lack of experience at this level makes this a daunting challenge.
Head to Head
There’s no recent head-to-head data available for Syria U23 vs. Philippines U23 in competitive matches, making this a fresh encounter in the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. Given Syria’s superior form and historical dominance in youth competitions (e.g., 11-0 vs. Brunei U23 in 2023 qualifiers), they hold a clear advantage. The Philippines have struggled against higher-ranked Asian sides, with a 3-0 loss to Vietnam U23 in July 2025 highlighting their defensive issues. Without prior meetings, we expect a one-sided affair, with Syria’s attack (2.2 goals per game) likely to overwhelm the Philippines’ leaky defense (two goals conceded per game).
Prediction
Syria U23’s strong form, defensive solidity, and home advantage make them heavy favorites against a Philippines side struggling on the road and defensively. I predict a 3-0 win for Syria, with Al Marmour or Rihanie likely to score, while Sarraf keeps a clean sheet. Syria’s win probability is around 70%, reflecting their superior quality and the Philippines’ poor away record. Expect Syria to dominate possession (around 60%) and corners (10-12 projected), with the Philippines’ counters through Gayoso their only real threat. The game should see Syria’s midfield control and set pieces (three goals from corners in qualifiers) proving decisive.
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