The Philippine Women’s National Football Team was stunned by the Australian Under-23 squad as the Filipinas suffered their first loss last night, August 10, at the MSIG Serenity Cup.
Not Anymore the ‘Young Matildas’ of 2022
After coming out victorious in their last meeting in 2022, the Filipinas faced a whole new ‘Young Matildas’ this 2025, as this squad gave them a hard time throughout the match.
The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Azumi Oka was dispossessed deep in Philippine territory by Alana Jančevski. The Melbourne Victory midfielder cut inside from the right and fired a low, curling left-footed strike into the bottom left corner, just beyond the reach of goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
Australia had dominated possession early but found it difficult to break through the Filipinas’ defensive shape until that decisive moment.
The Filipinas came out stronger in the second half, pushing higher up the pitch in search of an equalizer. Their best chance arrived in the 53rd minute when captain Hali Long met a Chandler McDaniel corner with a firm header, only to be denied by Australian goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln.
In the 68th minute, Malea Cesar found space in the box after a pass from Quinley Quezada, but her right-footed shot lacked the power to beat Lincoln. Substitute Inday Tolentin also had a late attempt, but her strike went wide of the target.
Despite improved attacking intent, the defending champions struggled to connect in the final third, often resorting to long balls that were easily dealt with by Australia’s defense.
Filipinas searched for a goal as McDaniel was called into action late, producing a double save to deny Leticia McKenna and Alicia Woods in quick succession, but to no avail.
FINAL SCORE: AUSTRALIA 1 – 0 PHILIPPINES
MSIG Player of the Match was awarded to Alana Jančevski, who scored the only goal for the entire match.
A Shakeup in the Entire Group B Standings
With the victory, both Australia and the Philippines now have three points in Group B. However, the Young Matildas sit ahead due to their head-to-head win, dropping the Filipinas to third. Myanmar leads the group with six points after victories over both Timor-Leste (3-0) and Australia (2-1).
The Filipinas are now in a “must-win situation” with their match against unbeaten Myanmar on Wednesday, August 13, 8:30 PM at Lạch Tray Stadium in Hai Phòng to keep their title defense alive.
And on the same night, Australia will play winless Timor-Leste at the Việt Trì Stadium.
With only the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals, the Filipinas must lock in if they wish to accomplish a historical feat.
