After a historic win on Monday, the Filipina5 came crashing down to earth on Tuesday, losing to defending champions Vietnam, 0-2, in the 2026 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship.
Both teams entered the match at Terminal 21 Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, with three points apiece, with Vietnam looking to recover from a 0-2 opening loss to tournament newcomer Australia.
With a semifinal berth at stake, the encounter carried significant weight.
The Philippines, ranked 69th in the world, started strong. Rhea Chan, Bhebhe Lemoran, and captain Inday Tolentin sparked early attacks that tested the Vietnamese defense.
However, the tone shifted in the fifth minute when Tolentin exited briefly after sustaining a foot injury.
Moments later, Vietnam struck. Off a right-sided kick-in, Le Thi Thanh Ngan completed a quick one-two with Nguyen Phuong Anh and found the net as goalkeeper Samantha Hughes stepped out to challenge, leaving the goal exposed.
Filipina5 Fall Short Despite Valiant Effort
Despite conceding, the Filipina5 refused to unravel.
Hughes anchored the resistance, delivering multiple key saves, including a crucial penalty stop in the 16th minute that kept the deficit at one. Defensive reinforcements Vrendelle Nuera, Maye Mendaño, and Sarahgen Tulabing contributed timely blocks and tight marking to frustrate repeated Vietnamese surges.
Even though Tolentin returned midway through the half and helped restore structure to the Philippine attack, the Vietnamese continued to probe through Bien Thi Hang and Tran Thi Thu Xuan.
In the second half, substitute keeper Kayla Santiago stepped up with composed defense as Vietnam pushed to extend its lead. At the other end, Tolentin created five clear chances, two forcing saves, while Cathy Graversen, Nicole Ramores, Jaycee DeFazio, and Lemoran pressed aggressively in search of an equalizer.
Vietnam eventually doubled the advantage in the 37th minute, with Bien unleashing a powerful long-range strike following a short kick-in sequence.
Still, the Filipina5 fought to the final seconds. Lemoran nearly pulled one back in the dying minute, only to see her attempt crash against the crossbar.
Do-or-Die Match Against Australia for Semis
Though the result favored Vietnam, the Filipina5 once again showcased its growing competitiveness and now faces a must-win showdown against Australia to keep its semifinal hopes alive.
The Philippines will battle Australia on February 26 at 2:30 PM.
