The Philippine esports team Sibol rallied past Indonesia, 2-1, to secure a quarterfinal berth in the Identity V event at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
Sibol dropped the opening game, 3-5, but responded strongly in the next two, winning 5-3 and 7-2 to complete the comeback at the Aichi Sky Expo. Johanne Juico and Joshua Gumaro led the Philippines’ recovery with key plays during the deciding games.
The victory lifted Sibol to a 1-2 record in Group A and secured the final quarterfinal spot from the pool. The Philippines had earlier lost to Thailand and Chinese Taipei, putting its knockout-stage hopes in jeopardy.
Indonesia, led by Daffa Arafan, was eliminated after suffering three consecutive defeats. Thailand and Chinese Taipei also advanced from Group A, while Malaysia, Hong Kong and South Korea qualified from Group B.
Sibol will face Malaysia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, Sept. 30, with a place in the medal rounds at stake.
The Identity V result also gives the Philippine delegation another opportunity to contend for an esports medal at the Asian Games, where Sibol is competing across multiple game titles.
