Bolden's late winner sees Filipinas sneak past Malaysia

The Philippine women's football team's hopes of advancing in their 32nd Southeast Asian Games campaign have been given a lifeline with a 1-0 win over Malaysia in Group A at the RCAF Old Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia this Saturday, May 6, 2023.

PHOTO CREDITS: Pilipinas Women's National Football Team

The Malaysians gave the Philippines a scare early on, captain Steffi Singh playing a direct ball into space for Intan Zulgafli but the ball went just wide after 2 minutes.

After coming off the bench against Myanmar, Chandler McDaniel almost gave the Philippines the lead in the fifth minute, her effort saved by Malaysian goalkeeper.

Since then, it was the Filipinas who dominated the proceedings, Quinley Quezada in particular coming close in the 28th and 32nd minutes.

Still, the Malaysian defense held tight as both teams went into half-time scoreless.

The Filipinas continued to dominate in terms of chances, but they found it tough to penetrate the Harimau Malaya defense. Shots from Chandler McDaniel and Sara Eggesvik from just outside the box in the 49th and 62nd minutes were dealt with well, while Carleigh Frilles and Sarina Bolden's efforts from close range in the last ten minutes of regulation went off-target.

Sarina Bolden had a couple of chances in stoppage time, twice blocked by the Malaysian defensive unit.

But finally, Bolden headed home from point-blank range in the 97th minute from a deep free kick delivery from Sara Eggesvik.

The result sees the Philippines needing to win against titleholders Vietnam in its final group match. The match will be on May 9th, this time at the RSN Stadium in Phnom Penh.