Blue Eagle Manu Simpao helps lead Philippine U16 Team to 2025 Lion City Cup Championship

The Philippine U16 Boys’ National Team emerged as champions of the 2025 Lion City Cup after an exceptional run in Singapore. The team delivered a commanding performance—defeating Cambodia (3–1), shutting out host nation Singapore (2–0), and drawing with Hong Kong (1–1). The young Filipinos officially clinched the title following Singapore’s 4–1 win over Hong Kong in the tournament’s final match on 13 July 2025.

Among the standout players was recent AJHS completer Manu Simpao (10-Spinola Class of 2025), an incoming Grade 11 ABM student who played a key role in the squad’s success. As a consistent starter, Manu was instrumental in leading the team to victory.

Also part of the champion roster was Alphan Lomibao, a member of the Ateneo de Manila Grade School (AGS) Class of 2021. A decorated mathlete and football standout during his AGS years, Alphan continues to shine as he proudly represented the country on the international stage.

Recognized as the world’s first international youth football tournament for national teams, the prestigious Lion City Cup was organized by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and held from 9–13 July 2025 at the Jalan Besar Stadium. This year’s competition featured elite youth squads from Cambodia, the Korea Republic, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore.