The Philippine National Women’s Football team failed to record a win against Myanmar last December 5 in their opening game in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the IPE Chonburi Stadium in Thailand.
Filipinas Grow Into the Match
The match began in the worst possible way for the Filipinas, who conceded just moments after kickoff.
Myanmar captain Win Theingi Tun capitalized on a poor defensive clearance inside the box, unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner in the fourth minute.
Credits: Philippine Football Federation/Philippine Women’s National Football Team
The early setback left goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel with no chance, and the Philippines spent much of the opening half trying to regain their rhythm.
After the initial shock, the Filipinas gradually asserted themselves and created several promising chances.
Midfielder Meryll Serrano sent a header over the bar in the 25th minute, while a well-delivered cross from Jael Guy narrowly missed Janae DeFazio just before halftime.
Despite controlling stretches of play and showing greater composure in midfield, the Philippines struggled to turn their buildup into clear-cut opportunities. Still, their growing confidence hinted that an equalizer was possible.
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Long-Awaited Equalizer in 2nd Half by Mallie Ramirez
The momentum carried into the second half, where the Filipinas began to pressure Myanmar more aggressively.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 69th minute. A sharp header from Jessika Cowart forced Myanmar goalkeeper Myo Mya Mya Nyein into a mishandled save, and debutant Mallie Ramirez reacted quickest to bury the rebound and level the match at 1–1.
Credits: Philippine Football Federation/Philippine Women’s National Football Team
Ramirez’s goal energized the squad, who continued pressing for a go-ahead strike. Alexa Pino came inches from completing a brilliant individual effort in the 75th minute, only to be denied by a superb stop from the Myanmar keeper.
Jael Guy nearly converted the follow-up, but another quick save kept the match tied.
Late Injury, Late Heartbreak
The closing minutes delivered a cruel twist for the Philippines.
In the 86th minute, 17-year-old forward Nina Mathelus was forced off the field after an apparent injury, disrupting the Filipinas’ attacking rhythm.
Three minutes later, Myanmar seized the moment. A swift counterattack allowed substitute May Htet Lu to rise unmarked and head home the go-ahead goal in the 89th minute.
The late strike silenced the Philippine bench and ignited celebrations from the pro-Myanmar crowd inside the stadium.
The Filipinas attempted to salvage a point in stoppage time, winning two deep free kicks near Myanmar’s half, but the Burmese defense held firm to secure the full three points.
FINAL SCORE: MYANMAR 2 – 1 PHILIPPINES
Group Standing Implications and What Comes Next
The defeat puts the Philippines in a challenging position in Group B, with Myanmar becoming the first team to collect three points.
Vietnam and Malaysia were set to meet later in the evening to complete the group’s opening fixtures.
Credits: Philippine Football Federation/Philippine Women’s National Football Team
For the Filipinas, the path forward is now narrow. They must aim for victories in their final two group matches, Vietnam on Monday, December 8 at the same venue and Malaysia on December 11, to stay alive in the race for a semifinal berth.
Only the top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stage.
Despite the heartbreaking finish, the Filipinas showed stretches of promising football and will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for their crucial upcoming matches.
