After suffering a defeat to the host nation in their opening match of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the Bangkokthonburi University Gymnasium in Samut Prakan, Thailand, the Philippine National Women’s Futsal Team rebounded by defeating Malaysia on the evening of December 13 as they try to have a podium finish.
Tough Opening Against Hosts Thailand
Filipina5, opened their campaign in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games with a daunting challenge, facing host nation Thailand at the Bangkokthonburi University Gymnasium in Samut Prakan last December 12.
Despite the intimidating setting, the Filipina5 struck first. Team captain Inday Tolentin once again showcased her set-piece prowess, delivering a well-placed free kick in the 11th minute that found its way into the net after a slight touch from Regine Rebosora.
The early breakthrough briefly put the Philippines ahead, echoing the team’s confident performances during their historic run in the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.
Thailand, however, responded almost immediately.
Just a minute later, Arriya Saetoen leveled the match, shifting the momentum firmly toward the hosts.
Paerploy Huajaipetch added another in the 14th minute before Jenjira Bubpha converted a spot kick near the end of the first half, sending Thailand into the break with a 3-1 advantage.
Thailand’s Second-Half Barrage Proved too much to Contain
Any hopes of a Filipina5 comeback faded in the second half as Thailand asserted its dominance.
Sasikarn Tongdee struck in the 25th minute, followed by goals from Suchanat Nakman, Hataichanok Tappakun, and Saovapha Tranga, as the hosts poured in four more unanswered goals to complete a commanding victory.
FINAL SCORE: PHILIPPINES 1 – 7 THAILAND
The lopsided result placed Thailand at the top of Group A with three points and a healthy goal difference, while the Philippines were left winless at the bottom of the standings.
Tolentin Urges Team to Move Forward
Team captain Inday Tolentin echoed her coach’s sentiments, stressing the importance of quickly putting the loss behind them. Speaking after the match, she emphasized leadership and resilience as the team prepared for their next assignment.
“Me as a captain, cheer up ko [lang] yung team. Lahat naman kami ng captains, apat kami, nandito kami para gabayan yung team. And tomorrow, kaya namin, babawi kami kasi alam namin kaya namin,” Tolentin told Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Media.
“Pero yun nga, ang pangit ng result ngayon, sobrang heartbreaking para kami hiniwala yan ng… Alam nyo na, pero yeah, bukas lalaban kami, babawi kami dahil alam namin kaya namin.”
Tolentin also highlighted the importance of preparation and chemistry, especially following a packed international schedule that included the Women’s Futsal World Cup just weeks before the SEA Games.
“Sobrang importante po [nung preparation], kasi mabubuo namin yung chemistry namin na magkasama kami lahat as a team,” she said.
“Kailangan namin is mag-focus lang talaga at yung goal namin kung paano namin makuha yan.”
Crucial Bounce-Back Win Against Malaysia
The Filipina5 responded exactly as promised in their second match against Malaysia in order to strengthen their hopes of a podium finish.
Tolentin wasted no time, opening the scoring in the fourth minute to give the Philippines early control. Just two minutes later, Isabella Bandoja doubled the advantage, putting coach Merino’s side firmly in command.
While the Filipina5’s offense slowed as the match progressed, their defensive discipline proved decisive.
Malaysia found a lifeline late through Farahiyah Ridzuan, sparking a brief surge from the Majestic Tigers, but the Philippines held firm.
With Malaysia pushing for an equalizer, Maye Mendaño sealed the result in the final minute.
Her long-range effort sailed into an unguarded net, extinguishing Malaysia’s comeback hopes and securing the Filipina5’s first SEA Games women’s futsal victory in 18 years.
FINAL SCORE: MALAYSIA 1 – 3 PHILIPPINES
Discipline, Drama, and Standings Implications
The match was not without controversy, as Philippine Football Federation Director of Football Vince Santos was shown a straight red card late in the first half after repeatedly protesting officiating decisions.
Still, the victory proved crucial.
The Filipina5 collected three points in Group A, improving their goal difference and finishing their preliminary round with a 1-1 record.
With Thailand and Malaysia still set to face each other, the Philippines were left to wait on the final group outcome, needing Malaysia to drop points to keep their medal aspirations alive.
After absorbing a heavy opening loss, the Filipina5 showed resilience, composure, and belief, which were the qualities forged during their World Cup journey as they try to keep their SEA Games campaign very much alive.
