In a historic clash with destiny, the Filipinas carved a new milestone in their legacy, dethroning the powerhouse that has long dominated the Southeast Asian Games podium.
After a grueling 120 minutes that ended in a 0-0 stalemate, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team outlasted four-time defending champion Vietnam, winning 6-5 on penalties to claim the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games on Wednesday at Chonburi Stadium in Thailand.
This latest triumph adds another crowning achievement to the Filipinas’ rising legacy, who continue to redefine Philippine football.
Their historic ascent now features three monumental milestones: the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship title, the iconic FIFA Women’s World Cup victory over New Zealand, and now this unprecedented regional triumph.
(C) POC Media
“For me, it’s all about the girls,” said coach Mark Torcaso. “It’s all about the time and effort they put in for our country. I’m just proud of them, proud of every one of their family members, and all our friends and family who are back in the Philippines as well.”
Jaclyn Sawicki and Olivia McDaniel proved decisive for the Filipinas.
In sudden-death penalties, Sawicki converted the team’s sixth attempt, while McDaniel delivered a stunning save to deny Tran Thi Thu, sealing the gold for the Philippines.
The tension-filled shootout saw five players each from the Philippines and Vietnam successfully convert their spot-kicks.
Jael-Marie Guy, Alexa Pino, captain Hali Long, Angie Beard, and Ari Markey kept their composure to score. On the other hand, Vietnam’s Huỳnh Như, Ngọc Minh Chuyên, Nguyễn Thị Trúc Hương, Hoàng Thị Loan, and Cù Thị Huỳnh Như also found the back of the net, keeping the shootout deadlocked until the dramatic finish.
The match itself was a test of character for the Filipinas.
Vietnam appeared to take the lead in the first half when Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy’s header seemed destined for goal, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
Nguyen would have another chance in the second half, but McDaniel was there to make a crucial save. The closest the Filipinas came to scoring during regulation was an unmarked Guy, whose header sailed wide.
Beyond bringing home the country’s first SEA Games gold medal in football, the Filipinas provided veteran goalkeeper Inna Palacios with a golden farewell after 52 caps and celebrated captain Hali Long’s 101st international appearance with regional glory.
Looking ahead, the Filipinas now set their sights on the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, where the top four teams automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“We always said that this tournament was our preparation for the Asian Cup because we knew we were playing against some good teams,” said Torcaso. “There are a lot of teams playing in the Asian Cup that didn’t get a chance to prepare like this. So we wanted to use this tournament as an opportunity to prepare, play against good teams, but also win a medal along the way.“
