It was the first time in more than a decade that the Philippine Women’s National Team held an official match on home soil. And it was a tight affair, to say the least.
In their first game in the Women’s Football Competition of the 2019 SEA Games, the Filipinas fought out a 0-0 draw against Myanmar, Tuesday night at the Biñan Football Stadium.
The result gives both teams a point in Group A.
“This is the first time we drew against Myanmar,” said coach Let Dimzon. “The result in this game is very far from our performances in the past years. The camp in Japan gave us a really big help (to improve) the performance of the players.”
Quinley Quezada was the home side’s main threat in the first half with two of the Philippines’ best chances to score. The Filipina forward saw her free-kick cleared, while a long-range effort hit the Myanmar crossbar. Besides that, Sarina Bolden had a sniff at goal, but her header flew straight at goalie Mya Phu Ngon.
At the other end of the pitch, Let Dimzon’s squad had to tighten up at the back as Myanmar was dangerous in the final third. Goalkeeper Inna Palacios was forced to be on her toes as she denied the visitors’ attempts time and time again.
It was more of the same in the second half, with both squads failing to put their shooting boots on during the game. Cam Rodriguez and Claire Lik both had sniffs at goal dealt with by Mya Phu Ngon. The away side had the same woes in front of goal, as skipper Khin Marlar Thun shot over with Palacios rushing to thwart her.
Ultimately, it was a goalless draw for both teams to start off their respective campaigns. It was not the worst outcome, but the two nations know that only a win in their next assignment will do if they want to move to the semi-finals.
Up next for the Filipinas is a game against Malaysia on November 29, 8:00 PM at the same venue. Myanmar also plays the same opponent on December 2, 2019, 4:00 PM.
Philippines XI: Palacios (GK), Lim, Long, Rodriguez, Dolino, Bolden, Quezada, Impelido ©, Castañeda, Bernal, Del Campo.
Myanmar XI: Mya Phu Ngon (GK), Ei Yadanar Phyo, Khin Than Wai, Khaing Thazin, Win Theingi Tun, Khin Mo Mo Tun, Khin Marlar Tun ©, Khin Moe Wai, Myat Noe Khin, Chit Chit, Yee Yee Oo.
