Late penalty condemns Filipinas to defeat vs Myanmar in SEAG opener

PHOTO CREDITS: Pilipinas Women's National Football Team

The Philippine women's football team started off their 32nd Southeast Asian Games campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Myanmar in Group A, with Win Theingi Tun's 88th minute penalty the difference, at the RCAF Old Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia this Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

Myanmar saw more of the ball in the early stages, piling on the pressure in the first 15 minutes. They controlled the flanks and managed a number of shots, but these were blocked by a resolute Filipinas defense.

The Philippines had chances of their own too, mostly on the counter-attack. Sarina Bolden struck a shot outside the box straight into the keeper's arms in the 6th minute, while Quinley Quezada's shot in the 12th minute was deflected over the bar.

The Asian Lionesses continued to command the flanks, bombarding the Filipinas' 18-yard box with crosses. The pace of Myanmar's forwards have been their biggest threat, with Philippines captain Hali Long's key defensive stops keeping them out so far. Long was forced to tackle Khin Mo Mo Tun inside the box in the 32nd minute, and the Filipinas' defensive unit caught July Kyaw offside a minute later.

Eventually, the Filipinas got their groove late in the half, with a number of chances coming their way. Anicka Castañeda came close with a free kick from outside the box in the 37th minutes, while Sofia Harrison and Carleigh Frilles managed shots on target from either side of the penalty area after 42 and 44 minutes, respectively.

It was 0-0 at half-time, with the Philippines looking to control more. notably with the introduction of Western United midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki.

In the 59th minute, Quinley Quezada found Carleigh Frilles in space, but the Myanmar defense was first to the ball.

Again, the Asian Lionesses had their spell of dominance, using their speed to full effect. Win Theingi Tun was open on the break in the 65th minute, but her shot went over. Her shot from close range off a broken corner also nearly broke the deadlock in the 67th minute.

The Filipinas defense had to do a lot of work, with leftback Sofia Harrison having to put in a last-ditch tackle on San Thaw Thaw at one point. Reina Bonta then had to deal with a low cross in the 72nd minute.

But the biggest blow came in the 87th minute when Sofia Harrison was called for a foul on Khin Marlar Tun inside the penalty area. Win Theingi Tun then struck the penalty in the top corner, past keeper Olivia McDaniel.

The Philippines then put on a late charge to try and salvage a point. Sara Eggesvik and Hali Long struck long shots in stoppage time to try and challenge Myanmar shot-stopper Myo Mya Mya Nyein, while keeper Olivia McDaniel had to deliver free kicks in hopes of connecting with Filipinas outfield players inside Myanmar's danger zone.

The result sees the Philippines needing to get results against Malaysia and Vietnam, to qualify for the semi-finals. The next match against Malaysia will be played on May 6th at the RCAF Old Stadium, while the final group match against Vietnam will be on May 9th at the RSN Stadium.