The Filipinas’ reign as the queens of Southeast Asian football has come to an end.
Needing a win to keep their semifinal hopes alive in the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup 2025, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team instead settled for a costly 1-1 draw against Myanmar on Wednesday at the Lạch Tray Stadium in Lai Phong.
Myanmar captain Win Theingi Tun broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a penalty, setting the tone for a frustrating evening for the Filipinas.
Despite multiple chances from Chandler McDaniel, Quinley Quezada, and Inday Tolentin, the team could not find the finishing touch.
Filipino-American standout Nina Mathelus struck from close range in the 71st minute to level the score, briefly reigniting hope for Mark Torcaso’s squad.
However, the equalizer ultimately proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
The draw ensured Myanmar topped Group B with seven points and booked a semifinal clash with Group A runner-up Thailand.
Meanwhile, Australia Under-23 secured second place in Group B with six points after a commanding 9-0 victory over Timor-Leste. They set up a meeting with Group A winner Vietnam.
Both semifinal matches will be played on Saturday at the Lạch Tray Stadium.
For the Philippines, it’s back to the drawing board, with their next major challenge — the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand — just three months away.
PHI XI: O McDaniel (GK), Long (C), Oka, Lemoran, Defazio, Schinaman, C McDaniel, Tolentin, Pasion, Quezada, Alamo.
MYA XI: Nyein (QK), Tun (C), Phwe, Oo, Win, Wai, Thaw, Tun, Khine, Oo, Myint.
