The Philippine Women’s National Football Team has ended their dreams of winning back-to-back titles as they lost against Myanmar in the elimination round last night, August 13, in the MSIG Serenity Cup 2025.
Different Objectives but the Same Goal
Myanmar and the Philippines met at Lạch Tray Stadium with contrasting targets in Group B.
Myanmar needed only to avoid a defeat by more than one goal to advance, while the defending champions needed both a win and multiple goals to keep their title defense alive.
First Half: Penalty Breakthrough for the Asian Lionesses
Myanmar showed little caution and earned a pivotal chance in the 33rd minute when Win Theingi Tun was fouled in the box by Olivia McDaniel. The captain converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for her tournament-leading fifth goal.
In first-half stoppage time, another through ball from Khin Mo Mo Tun sprung Yu Per Khine, but McDaniel closed down well to keep the deficit at one. Almost immediately, the Filipinas pressed back as Chandler McDaniel forced a pair of saves from Myo Mya Mya Nyein.
Second Half: Filipinas Equalize but Can’t Find a Winner
Chances were scarce after the interval until the 71st minute, when Adelaide Wyrzynski’s cross from the right found an unmarked Nina Mathelus for a close-range finish. The equalizer lifted the Philippines, but Myanmar’s compact back line limited further clear looks at goal. In stoppage time, Myanmar nearly snatched all three points on a counter, only for McDaniel to deny Yoon Wadi Hlaing with a strong save.
FINAL SCORE: MYANMAR 1 – 1 PHILIPPINES
Win Theingi Tun was named the MSIG player of the match. The final result sent Myanmar through as group winners and eliminated the Filipinas, who placed third behind Myanmar and Australia.
Group B Picture and Next Steps for the Filipinas
The draw secured Myanmar’s top spot on seven points (two wins, one draw) and a semifinal date with Group A runner-up Thailand.
Australia U-23 finished second with six points after a 9–0 win over Timor-Leste and will face Group A winner Vietnam. The Philippines closed Group B in third on four points (1-1-1), ending their title defense.
The Filipinas are also going back to the drawing board, with their next major challenge, which is the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. But with the tournament being three months away, Head Coach Mark Torcaso will have a lot of time to prepare her squad against Southeast Asia’s best.
