The Philippine women’s national team fall to Myanmar on a late penalty kick, 1-nil, in its 32nd Southeast Asian Games opener Wednesday night, May 3, at the Army Stadium Phnom Penh.
The Filipinas saw their campaign in shambles early into the competition in a rematch against last edition’s battle for third foe on a late penalty kick called on Sofia Harrison after she was seen colliding inside the box with a Myanmar player.
Filipinas forward Sarina Bolden. (PFF)
Both with a clean sheet until the 89th minute, Myanmar scored after being awarded a penalty kick. Olivia McDaniel was able to figure out Win Theaw Thaw but couldn’t reach the ball as the deadlock was broken. The nationals actually closed in on a couple of opportunities in the second half, but just couldn’t break Myanmar’s defensive scheme. Still, the Philippines continued to pile pressure on Myanmar and even looked to convert and equalize in the added time, but Sarina Bolden’s header was saved by the opposing side’s keeper. With the loss, the Philippines now find itself in a bind as it needs to win the remaining games against Malaysia and Vietnam in Group A to get a fighting chance back to the semifinals. In the earlier play, the Vietnamese sent the Malaysians reeling with a 3-nil rout to secure the three points. The Filipinas seeks to bounce back at the expense of Malaysia on Saturday, May 6 at 9 p.m. (Manila time) at the same venue.
Filipinas forward Sarina Bolden. (PFF)
Both with a clean sheet until the 89th minute, Myanmar scored after being awarded a penalty kick. Olivia McDaniel was able to figure out Win Theaw Thaw but couldn’t reach the ball as the deadlock was broken. The nationals actually closed in on a couple of opportunities in the second half, but just couldn’t break Myanmar’s defensive scheme. Still, the Philippines continued to pile pressure on Myanmar and even looked to convert and equalize in the added time, but Sarina Bolden’s header was saved by the opposing side’s keeper. With the loss, the Philippines now find itself in a bind as it needs to win the remaining games against Malaysia and Vietnam in Group A to get a fighting chance back to the semifinals. In the earlier play, the Vietnamese sent the Malaysians reeling with a 3-nil rout to secure the three points. The Filipinas seeks to bounce back at the expense of Malaysia on Saturday, May 6 at 9 p.m. (Manila time) at the same venue.