The Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team, the Filipina5, opened the 2026 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship in style as it edged out Myanmar 1-0 to enter the win column in Group B.
Inday Tolentin Carries Filipina5 to Another Milestone
Dionesa “Inday” Tolentin of Filipina5 was the first player to score a goal for the Philippines in the inaugural 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup back in November 2025.
Three months later, the team captain of the Philippines once again accomplished another milestone at Terminal 21 Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Myanmar dictated the tempo early, pressing aggressively and testing the Philippine backline in the opening minutes. Goalkeeper Samantha Hughes was quick to respond, producing a crucial save in the fourth minute that steadied her side.
Gradually, the Filipina5 settled into their rhythm. Team captain Inday Tolentin became the focal point of their attack, constantly probing the right flank and challenging Myanmar’s defensive shape.
The decisive moment arrived in the 14th minute. Off a kick-in, Tolentin maneuvered through tight marking near the sideline, created just enough space, and unleashed a low drive that slipped past Myanmar keeper Chaw Sandi Aung.
The lone goal shifted the momentum and handed the Philippines a precious advantage heading into halftime, thanks also to key defensive stops from Lyka Cuenco and Sarahgen Tulabing.
Filipina5 Shows Maturity, Poise
The second half highlighted the Filipina5’s tactical maturity. Employing a disciplined high press, they disrupted Myanmar’s buildup and forced turnovers in dangerous areas. Cuenco, Graversen, and Janly Fontamillas contributed on both ends, while Hughes, along with substitute Kayla Santiago, preserved the clean sheet with timely interventions.
Myanmar went all-in during the final five minutes, deploying a power-play system in search of an equalizer. The Philippines, however, executed a compact zone defense to perfection. Critical blocks and last-ditch clearances, especially in the dying seconds, sealed the historic victory.
Wanting to Win for Inday Tolentin and Defense for Head Coach Rafa Merino
Afterward, Tolentin admitted that she wants more than just to compete in this tournament; she wants to win.
“I fulfilled what I want for the team. We want to play as a team. Our goal is to win and to show every opponent that we’re here to compete, not just to play. We’re here to compete and to win,” she said.
For Filipina5 coach Rafa Merino, the team’s defense was the key.
“I think the most important point is that we played 40 minutes, very, very focused, with high intensity,” he said. “Also, I think the key is the last five minutes, defending the power play.”
Redemption Against Myanmar
The victory was tantamount to a statement win for the Filipina5, which had never defeated Myanmar in the tournament’s brief history.
Two years ago, the Philippines managed only a 2–2 draw against the higher-ranked Myanmar during the inaugural edition of the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship in Pasig. This time, they went a step further, earning a breakthrough win against a regional heavyweight ranked well above them in the world standings.
The win places the Filipina5 in a strong position in Group B, trailing only Australia on goal difference. It also sets the tone for the Philippines’ upcoming clash against defending champions Vietnam as they look to sustain their momentum in the tournament.
The Philippines takes on Vietnam later today at 2:30 p.m.
