On the evening of December 16, the Philippine Women’s Futsal team’s hopes of reaching the finals of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games were crushed by Vietnam after they fell in their semifinal match at the Bangkokthonburi University Gymnasium in Thailand.
Vietnam Sets the Early Tempo
From the opening whistle, Vietnam showed intent, pressing high and asserting control of possession.
Early attempts came through Bui Thi Trang, whose initial shot tested the Philippine defense but failed to seriously trouble goalkeeper Samantha Jane. Vietnam continued to apply pressure, with Bien Thi Hang and Thu Xuan unleashing long-range efforts as the Filipina5 focused on staying compact and organized at the back.
Philippines Holds Firm Despite Early Pressure
Despite Vietnam’s attacking rhythm, the Filipina5 displayed composure and resilience in the opening 20 minutes.
Samantha Jane anchored the defense with a series of calm interventions, repeatedly denying Vietnam’s shooters and keeping the match scoreless.
The Philippines nearly seized the initiative midway through the first half when Dionesa found the net from an indirect free kick. However, the celebration was short-lived, as the goal was ruled out after the ball crossed the line without making contact with another player, as required by futsal rules.
Vietnam responded swiftly through Phuong Anh, who fired a low shot toward goal, but Jane was once again alert to preserve the deadlock. The remainder of the half unfolded evenly, with both teams trading possession and defensive discipline taking precedence as the match went into halftime locked at 0-0.
Nguyet Vi Breaks the Deadlock for Vietnam
Vietnam emerged from the break with renewed urgency, increasing the tempo and pushing numbers forward.
Nguyet Vi and Thanh Ngan led a wave of attacks, testing the Philippine defense with a series of powerful strikes.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 25th minute. Nguyet Vi timed her run perfectly to meet a sharp low cross, striking the ball for the first time.
The shot sailed over the outstretched arms of Samantha Jane and into the net, giving Vietnam the crucial lead and shifting momentum decisively in their favor.
Late Push Falls Short for Filipina5
Following the goal, Vietnam remained dangerous on the counterattack.
Ngoc Han made a threatening run down the right side, though her final effort lacked the force to extend the lead.
With time running out, the Philippines adjusted their approach and committed to a power play whenever they gained possession.
The tactical shift allowed the Filipina5 to push forward in numbers, but their passing combinations struggled to penetrate Vietnam’s well-structured defense.
In the closing moments, Lemorran came closest to equalizing with a tight-angle attempt that narrowly missed its target, brushing the side netting as Vietnam held firm until the final whistle.
FINAL SCORE: PHILIPPINES 0 – 1 VIETNAM
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Still Aiming for a Historical Podium Finish
The win moved Vietnam one step closer to capturing its first SEA Games women’s futsal title after previous podium finishes that included two silvers and two bronzes.
For the Filipina5, the defeat marked the end of their finals bid but not their historic campaign.
The team still has an opportunity to secure a medal, as they are set to face Thailand in the bronze medal match on December 18, Thursday, at the same venue. A victory would deliver the Philippines its first women’s futsal medal since 2007.
Despite the setback, the tournament represented a milestone for Philippine football overall, with the women’s futsal team joining both the men’s and women’s football squads in reaching the semifinals which is definitely a rare triple achievement for the country at the SEA Games.
