A podium finish at the regional level has once again eluded the Philippine Women’s National Football Team.
In a heartbreaking defeat, the Malditas succumbed 1-2 against Myanmar, Sunday evening at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila in the Women’s Football Competition of the 2019 SEA Games.
The result extends the Philippines’ medal drought in the tournament to 34 years.
The breakthrough for the Filipinas came in the 57th minute courtesy of Quinley Quezada’s close-range finish. Beforehand, the home side beat Myanmar’s offside trap. Sarina Bolden laid the ball off towards the 22-year-old, who then tapped it in.
Come the 70th minute, Bolden thought that she had doubled the Malditas’ cushion and sealed 3rd place with a neat finish, only for the lineswoman to rule it out due to offside. A few minutes later, the striker was through on goal but she hit the side-netting.
Myanmar then struck back, and quickly. After goalkeeper Inna Palacios stepped up to save substitute forward Khin Moe Wai’s free-kick, the visitors weren’t to be denied. Striker July Kyaw first headed in the equalizer in the 78th minute. Yee Yee Oo then scored soon after in the 80th minute to hand her side the lead.
The Filipinas tried hard to mount a comeback, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Besides Sara Castañeda’s effort, none were able to properly test Mya Pu Ngon. Ultimately, it was the visitors’ day, but nothing can change the fact that the Malditas gad a great campaign on home soil.
Philippines XI: Palacios, Lim, Long, Rodriguez, Dolino, Bolden, Quezada, Impelido ©, Castañeda, Bernal, Del Campo.
Myanmar XI: Mya Pu Ngon (GK), Khin Than Wai, Khaing Thazin, July Kyaw, Khin Mo Mo Thun, Khin Marlar Tun ©, Aye Aye Moe, Nge Nge Htwe, Chit Chit, Nu Nu, Yee Yee Oo.
