SEA Games: PH Malditas hold Myanmar to goalless draw

BIÑAN – Strong and resolute defensively, the Philippines held fancied Myanmar to a goalless stalemate Tuesday night at the start of the women’s football competition of the Southeast Asian Games here.

The hosts were unable to cash in on some good chances in the second half as they settled for a point in their tournament debut at the Binan Football Stadium here.

Claire Lim rattled the crossbar in the first half and also had a free kick saved in the 70th minute as the Malditas piled up the pressure against a team that beat them 0-3 in the AFF Women’s Championship early this year.

Cam Rodriguez also came close to scoring twice in the second half, but the Malditas, backed by an energetic crowd, failed to break the deadlock as they lacked the cutting edge on the final third.

But the performance was encouraging for the women’s national team as it achieved its best result against Myanmar, which is considered one of the best teams in the region.

The backline of Lim, Hali Long, Alesa Dolino and Mea Bernal kept Myanmar’s attackers in check, while Inna Palacios had a solid outing on goal.

Wary of the threat posed by Myanmar’s fleet-footed attacking players, Malditas coach Let Dimzon opted for a more cautious approach while relying on Quinley Quezada and Sarina Bolden to lead the line.

But the Malditas lacked the finishing to match their industrious display as they were unable to punch their ticket to the next round.

In Group B play, defending champion Vietnam and Thailand battled to a 1-1 draw, which meant that no team advanced to the next round on Match Day One of the six-team tournament.

The Filipinos aim to nail a semifinal spot against Malaysia on Friday.