SEA Games 2023: Filipinas miss out on semis berth despite win over Vietnam

Philippine women’s football team during the SEA Games 2023 competition. –PH WOMEN’S FOOTBALL TEAM PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Filipinas fell short of reaching the semifinals in the women’s football competitions of the 32nd Cambodia Southeast Asian Games despite a 2-1 victory over defending champion Vietnam on Tuesday at RSN Stadium in Phnom Penh.

Hali Long’s go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute allowed the Filipinas to pull off another victory over Vietnam in their first meeting since the semifinals of last year’s Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship in Manila.

But coach Alen Stajcic’s side was booted out after Myanmar pummeled Malaysia, 5-1, in the other match of Group A.

Despite being level with Vietnam and Myanmar at six points apiece, the Philippines didn’t advance to the medal rounds due to an inferior goal difference.

A jittery showing in the previous two games in Phnom Penh saw the Filipinas lose 1-0 to Myanmar after conceding a late penalty and needing a last-gasp goal from Sarina Bolden to escape past lowly Malaysia.

Bolden put the Filipinas in front 12 minutes into the match off a penalty for her 22nd international goal, tying teammate Quinley Quezada for most all-time.

Vietnam equalized before halftime as Nguyen Thị Bich Thuy scored after goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel couldn’t secure possession of the ball.

Long produced the winner with a header, which for a moment gave the Filipinas a slim hope of sneaking a semis berth but to no avail.