A penalty shootout under pressure sent the Philippine women’s football team into uncharted territory at the Southeast Asian Games, sealing a place in the gold medal match for the first time after edging Thailand, 4-2, following a 1-1 draw after extra time at Chonburi Stadium on Sunday.
The breakthrough came as Thailand faltered from the spot in the closing moments of the shootout. Pluemjai Sontisawat struck the left post with her attempt, while Orapin Waenngoen followed by sending her shot over the bar, moments that sparked celebrations among the Filipinas and their traveling supporters amid a predominantly home crowd.
Sara Eggesvik and Hali Long delivered the decisive penalties for the Philippines, completing a dramatic finish against the defending power in Southeast Asian women’s football.
The tense semifinal unfolded after Thailand seized control midway through the second half. Jiraporn Mongkoldee put the hosts ahead in the 53rd minute, forcing the Filipinas to chase the match in front of a packed stadium.
Relief came late when a handball was called against Thailand just minutes before stoppage time in regulation. Jael Marie Guy stepped up and converted from the spot, leveling the match and pushing it into extra time.
The victory guarantees the Philippines its best finish ever in SEA Games women’s football. The team previously claimed bronze in a three-nation tournament in Bangkok in 1985 and repeated the same result in Hanoi three years ago.
Under coach Mark Torcaso, the Filipinas’ run to the final has been marked by sharp turns. Their campaign began with a setback, a 2-1 defeat to Myanmar, before rebounding with a 1-0 extra-time win over Vietnam on Mallie Ramirez’s goal. A dominant 6-0 victory against Malaysia followed, sending the Philippines into the semifinals as Group B runner-up.
Awaiting them in the gold medal match is Vietnam, which secured its place with a 5-0 win over Indonesia in the other semifinal at IPE Chonburi Stadium.
The championship match is set for Wednesday at the same venue.
